Sourcing Manager

Job Purpose

The Sourcing Manager is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies for both food and non-food categories. The role requires ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental policies, while optimizing supplier performance, managing risks, and driving cost savings. This role demands strong negotiation skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to collaborate with internal stakeholders to meet business objectives.

Job Context

The Sourcing Manager (Food and Non-Food) in a flight catering company plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with strict health, safety, and environmental standards while strategically managing procurement activities. This role involves navigating complex supplier markets, securing favourable terms, and ensuring continuous improvement. The Sourcing Manager must forecast market trends, manage risks, and align procurement with business objectives. Success is measured by optimizing supplier relationships, enhancing procurement processes, and delivering cost savings, all while maintaining compliance. This position is vital for the company’s operational efficiency and service quality.

Key Result Areas

1. Ensure Compliance with health, safety, and environmental policies in all procurement activities to protect employee safety and maintain high-quality standards.
2. Negotiate Contracts with suppliers to secure favorable terms and continuous improvement, ensuring value for money and enhanced service levels.
3. Drive Cost Savings by implementing strategic cost management techniques, achieving best value for the company.
4. Engage Stakeholders to align procurement activities with business needs, ensuring timely and effective purchasing decisions.
5. Enhance Supplier Relationships by maintaining continuous communication and collaboration, making the company a preferred client for suppliers.
6. Forecast Market Trends and demand to anticipate changes and adjust procurement strategies accordingly, maintaining a competitive edge.
7. Implement Risk Mitigation Plans to address potential supply chain disruptions, ensuring business continuity for critical categories.
8. Monitor and Report Performance of suppliers and procurement activities to identify opportunities for improvement and informed decision-making.
9. Optimize Procurement Processes by utilizing eSourcing and eProcurement tools to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
10. Develop Team Performance by setting SMART objectives and providing regular feedback, fostering a high-performing procurement team.

Education

a) Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, or a related field.

b) Professional Certifications in procurement or supply chain management, such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), or equivalent, are highly desirable.

c) Advanced Degree (e.g., MBA) is a plus but not mandatory.

Work Experience

7 years of experience in procurement or sourcing, with a focus on food and non-food categories in a fast-paced, regulated industry.

Skills

1. Strong negotiation skills with ability to secure favourable terms and drive value from supplier contracts.
2. Ability to develop and implement sourcing strategies that align with business objectives.
3. Proficiency in analysing market trends, forecasting demand, and conducting cost-benefit analysis.
4. Experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating supply chain risks.
5. Proven ability to lead and develop a procurement team, setting clear objectives and providing feedback.
6. Strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively engage with internal stakeholders.
7. In-depth understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations in the food and beverage industry.
8. Ability to quickly identify issues and implement effective solutions.
9. Proficiency with procurement software and tools, including eSourcing and eProcurement platforms.
10. Meticulous in contract management, supplier performance monitoring, and adherence to regulatory requirements.