Protein (Raw Materials) & Ingredients Category Manager

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for protein raw materials and food ingredients

• Manage category spend, budgets, forecasts and cost-saving targets

• Monitor commodity pricing, exchange rates, market trends, availability and supply risks

• Procure beef, poultry, pork, fish and ingredients such as spices, starches, flavours, oils and functional ingredients

• Monitor raw material yields and specifications including fat, moisture and protein content

• Identify, evaluate and manage strategic suppliers; lead negotiations, tenders and commercial agreements

• Conduct supplier reviews and coordinate supplier audits with Quality Assurance

• Develop alternative suppliers and contingency plans for critical categories

• Ensure specifications, CoAs, allergen declarations and traceability records are maintained

• Support HACCP, GMP, FSSC 22000 and SA food regulation compliance

• Collaborate with Production Planning and R&D on availability, inventory and formulation

• National Diploma or Bachelor's in Supply Chain, Procurement, Food Science/Technology, Agricultural or Animal Science

• CIPS or equivalent procurement certification advantageous

• 5–7 years' procurement, strategic sourcing or category management experience

• Minimum 3 years in raw material and/or food ingredient procurement

• Food manufacturing, FMCG, meat or agri-processing experience strongly preferred

• Knowledge of cold chain, HACCP, GMP and allergen management