Category Buyer- Raw and Packaging Materials at UAC

UAC Foods Limited- a joint venture business between UACN PLC and Tiger Brands of South Africa operating in the food sector of the economy is a leading producer of snacks, beverages and ice cream. Our brands include Gala Sausage Roll, Funtime Coconut Chips, Groundnut chips and Cupcake, SWAN Natural Spring Water and Supreme Ice Cream.

We are seeking to hire a Category Buyer- Raw and Packaging Materials

Work Base Location is Ojota, Lagos State.

Job Summary

To ensure availability of all raw and packaging materials of the right quality, right quantity, best price and at the right time.

You will be accountable for

STRATEGY

• Develop & implement category and sourcing strategy for all raw and packaging materials.
• Conduct research on market developments, price, and cost developments by applying cost models.
• Ensure there is an updated report on market situations of all Raw and Packaging Materials; both locally and internationally.

SOURCING

• Implement sourcing strategies to support corporate and divisional objectives, providing the company a competitive advantage in the areas of both local and imported material supplies.
• Continuously develop and manage a pool of raw and packaging materials providers equipped to deliver items with food-industry hygiene standards and no compromises.
• Define scope of spend and collect, identify, and validate requirements based on volume specifications for all raw and packaging materials.
• Evaluate suppliers’ performance.
• Perform detailed internal and external analysis of market and suppliers.
• Develop, prioritize, and validate sourcing strategy.
• Implement sourcing strategies to support corporate and divisional objectives, providing the company a competitive advantage in the areas of both local and imported material supplies.
• Continuously develop and manage a pool of raw and packaging materials providers equipped to deliver items with food-industry hygiene standards and no compromises.
• Define scope of spend and collect, identify, and validate requirements based on volume specifications for all raw and packaging materials.
• Perform detailed internal and external analysis of market and suppliers.
• Develop, prioritize, and validate sourcing strategy.
• Provide local and global market intelligence for sourcing strategies as required by the business.
• Perform all sourcing activities on time and with high quality for raw material spend with best value for money. 

TENDERING, NEGOTIATIONS & SUPPLIER SELECTION

• Obtain stock replenishment advice for all materials from planning manager, place advert, collates and analyses quotations in line with the procurement policy.
• Ensure volume allocation according to competitiveness and reliability. 
• Organize negotiation meeting for material procurement where necessary.
• Tender and negotiate contracts and prices for raw and packaging materials of spend managed.
• Negotiate the best credit terms for the business to maximize working capital.
• Seek the approval of the Buying Committee for spend categories.
• Raises Purchase Orders for materials based on agreed best price, material specifications and approved quantities.
• Expedite deliveries and ensure timeliness of all deliveries.

CONTRACTING

• Put Contracts in place at competitive cost and quality compliance (best value) for spend of the category managed.
• Ensure contractual terms are in line with the sourcing strategy of the category.
• Ensure there is no breach of agreement, standards, and procedures.
• Track and report key contractual functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness.
• Ensure raw and packaging materials spend is managed within relevant authority levels (as defined by UFL procurement policy) on volumes, price, quality, delivery and other conditions, liabilities, responsibilities, and service levels. Consult legal where necessary.
• Recommend appropriate penalties for defaulting suppliers.

STAKE HOLDERS’ MANAGEMENT

• Develop and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Execute supplier relationship management, planned visits, share innovations, and give strategic guide on company direction and plan for supplier’s complimentary preparedness.
• Recommend appropriate penalties for defaulting suppliers.
• Work closely with the planners, marketing, and product development management to ensure smooth product launches.
• Have up-to-date information on products under development for follow up on material implications.

GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

• Ensure the procurement of goods and services are done in line with the company’s procurement policy and guidelines.
• Execute regular update and review of the categories’ vendor master data and ensure compliance with procurement policy.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Creation and ownership of own Personal Development Plan, with the aim of working on the development targets formulated in this plan throughout the year.
• Creation and ownership of pay for performance plan to drive deliverables and contribution to UFL operations throughout the year.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will possess.

• A Bachelor’s / HND degree with NYSC Certificate
• 5 years’ experience in Quality Assurance, Planning, Operational Management, Procurement Officer, Buyer, preferably in FMCG
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite 
• Excellent relationship management with strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under independently under pressure and time constraints.
• Proactive and result oriented.
• Excellent negotiation and analytical skills
• Possess a professional certification- Advanced Diploma in Procurement & Supply (CIPS)