Procurement Head COCOA

Procurement Head - Cocoa Sourcing

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic Procurement Head to lead our cocoa sourcing operations from Africa, with a focus on Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire. This role is crucial for building and maintaining relationships with suppliers, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality cocoa while adhering to sustainability standards and company objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement procurement strategies for sourcing cocoa from Africa, aligning with the company's quality and sustainability goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local cocoa suppliers, negotiating contracts and pricing to secure optimal terms.
• Monitor market trends and supply chain dynamics to identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of procurement objectives with production, marketing, and product development initiatives.
• Conduct supplier evaluations and assessments to ensure compliance with quality and ethical sourcing standards.
• Manage inventory levels and forecast cocoa demand to ensure timely availability of products in line with company requirements.
• Prepare and present procurement reports and analytics to senior management, providing insights on supplier performance and market conditions.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Agricultural Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, specifically within the cocoa or agricultural sector.
• In-depth knowledge of cocoa sourcing practices and market dynamics in Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire.
• Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of securing favorable terms and pricing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to foster supplier relationships.
• Proficiency in procurement software and analytics tools.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in French is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with smallholder farmers and understanding cooperative structures in cocoa production.
• Certification in supply chain management or procurement (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) is preferred.
• Familiarity with sustainability and ethical sourcing initiatives in the cocoa industry.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in diverse, cross-cultural teams.
• Experience in project management and process improvement in procurement functions.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous vacation and paid time off policies.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
• Flexible work arrangements to promote a healthy work-life balance.
• Engagement in corporate social responsibility initiatives focused on sustainable sourcing.
• A vibrant company culture that values diversity and inclusion.

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