Procurement Officer
Agribusiness Jobs Information
JOB OVERVIEW
The Purchasing/Procurement Officer will be responsible for sourcing and procuring agricultural commodities, including cashew nuts, shea nuts, cocoa, and other related products from farmers and suppliers. The role involves building and maintaining relationships with local farmers, negotiating favorable terms, ensuring the timely delivery of goods, and managing the logistics and inventory to meet the company’s demand. This position requires a deep understanding of the agricultural supply chain and the ability to work closely with farmers and other stakeholders to secure high-quality produce.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Sourcing and Procurement:
- Identify and develop relationships with farmers, suppliers, and cooperatives involved in the production of cashew nuts, shea nuts, cocoa, and other agricultural products.
- Negotiate prices and terms with suppliers to ensure cost-effective procurement while maintaining product quality.
- Conduct market research to stay informed about price trends, crop yields, and agricultural conditions affecting supply.
2. Supplier Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain long-term partnerships with local farmers and suppliers, ensuring transparency and trust.
- Provide support and guidance to farmers to improve product quality, ensure sustainability, and maintain a steady supply of commodities.
3. Contract and Agreement Management:
- Prepare and manage procurement contracts and agreements with suppliers, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
- Monitor contract performance and ensure that suppliers adhere to agreed terms and conditions.
4. Logistics and Inventory Management:
- Coordinate with logistics teams to manage the transportation and storage of purchased commodities.
- Track inventory levels to ensure that there are no supply disruptions and maintain optimal stock levels to meet demand.
- Ensure proper documentation of all purchases and inventory records.
5. Quality Control:
- Work closely with the quality control team to ensure that the agricultural commodities meet the company’s quality standards.
- Visit farms and production facilities to assess the quality of produce before purchasing.
- Address any quality issues or discrepancies with suppliers promptly.
6. Financial and Budgetary Control:
- Assist in managing the procurement budget by forecasting demand and controlling purchasing costs.
- Work with the finance team to ensure timely payments to suppliers and monitor procurement expenses.
7. Compliance and Reporting:
- Ensure that procurement practices are compliant with local and international regulations related to agricultural commodities.
- Prepare regular reports on procurement activities, market conditions, and supplier performance for management review.
8. Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing:
- Promote ethical and sustainable sourcing practices by encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable farming techniques.
- Ensure that procurement aligns with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.