Business and Procurement Manager at Vestates Limited

Job Purpose

• The Procurement & Operations Manager will oversee and lead the procurement, sales, and customer service teams to ensure a seamless supply of quality foodstuffs to restaurants, institutions, and individual customers.
• This role combines strategic procurement management with leadership in sales growth and customer relationship management, ensuring operational efficiency and profitability.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management:

• Build, lead, and mentor a multidisciplinary team comprising procurement officers, sales executives, and customer service representatives.
• Set clear performance objectives and monitor KPIs across procurement, sales, and customer service.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Drive sales performance through pipeline management, conversion focus and close collaboration when marketing the product.
• Improve customer experience: resolve root causes of complaints, boost satisfaction and reduce churn.
• Escalate major commercial issues to senior management and lead cross-team responses.

Procurement & Sourcing:

• Develop and execute procurement strategies to secure quality foodstuff at the best prices.
• Identify, negotiate, and manage supplier relationships (farmers, wholesalers, distributors).
• Monitor market trends and pricing to optimise purchasing decisions.
• Ensure food safety standards and regulatory compliance are maintained.

Sales & Business Development:

• Work with the sales team to drive revenue growth through acquisition and retention of clients (restaurants, hotels, caterers, and individuals).
• Set sales targets, monitor performance, and implement strategies to exceed targets.
• Explore new business opportunities and expand the company’s customer base.

Customer Service & Client Relations:

• Oversee customer service operations to ensure excellent client experiences.
• Ensure prompt resolution of customer complaints and issues.
• Monitor customer feedback and use insights to improve service quality and product offerings.

Operational Efficiency & Reporting:

• Streamline procurement, sales, and customer service processes for greater efficiency.
• Oversee demand forecasting, inventory planning, and product availability.
• Track and report on procurement savings, sales performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure alignment of all departmental activities with the company’s strategic objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Procurement, Business Administration, Supply Chain, Marketing, or a related field.
• Professional certification (e.g., CIPS, CPSM, NIMN) is an added advantage.
• 3-5 years experience in procurement, supply chain, or operations management, with at least 3 years in a supervisory/managerial role.
• Experience in food distribution, FMCG, or agriculture supply chain is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and deliver results.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent leadership, coaching, and team-building skills.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management abilities.
• Business development and sales strategy expertise.
• Exceptional customer service orientation.
• Analytical, financial management, and reporting skills.
• High level of integrity and result-oriented mindset.

Working Conditions:

• Combination of office and field-based responsibilities.
• Frequent engagement with suppliers, markets, and clients.
• Occasional travel across different regions in Nigeria.