Procurement Specialist (Vitamins & Minerals)

About the Role and Company

Join an innovative organization pioneering technology that fortifies staple grains in African mills, positively impacting over 70 million lives daily. This role offers an opportunity to be part of a motivated, mission-centered team devoted to enhancing health outcomes throughout Africa. The company fosters a culture emphasizing career advancement and employee wellbeing, encouraging a fulfilling workplace atmosphere.

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee global sourcing of vitamins, minerals, carriers, and specialty raw ingredients by identifying, evaluating, negotiating, and managing strategic suppliers to minimize supply risks.
• Translate production forecasts into actionable procurement plans to ensure timely restocking, maintain optimal inventory, and guarantee continuous supply to blending centers in East Africa.
• Assure that all procured raw materials comply with company quality and regulatory standards through supplier qualification, technical documentation management, laboratory testing, and adherence to food safety requirements.
• Negotiate supplier contracts and drive cost-efficiency by conducting market research, commercial negotiations, freight coordination, and strategic sourcing activities.
• Facilitate international procurement operations by coordinating supplier documentation, shipment preparations, and import compliance to ensure prompt deliveries to facilities in Tanzania and Ethiopia.
• Analyze supplier performance, monitor market trends, pricing, and potential supply disruptions, applying mitigation tactics to maintain uninterrupted procurement.
• Maintain comprehensive procurement records, contracts, and supplier information in ERP systems while delivering procurement reports and performance reviews.
• Collaborate with departments such as Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Finance, and Supply Chain, along with external suppliers, to address issues, refine procurement processes, and support organizational growth.

Qualifications and Experience

• Over five years’ experience in international procurement of food-grade ingredients, especially sourcing vitamins, minerals, carriers, or specialty raw materials.
• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related fields; additional qualifications in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Nutrition are advantageous.
• Professional procurement certifications like CIPS, CPSP, PSPTB, or equivalents are preferred.
• Proven commercial, analytical, and negotiation expertise with a history of supplier management, contract negotiation, and cost control.
• Solid knowledge of international food safety standards and regulations such as FSSC 22000, ISO, HACCP, Certificates of Analysis, traceability, and experience collaborating with food control and import regulatory authorities.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities across cultures and time zones; proficiency in Mandarin or Hindi is a plus.