Category Manager – Raw Materials and Ingredients

Company: Lactalis

About the Role
Lactalis is seeking an experienced Category Manager – Raw Materials and Ingredients to join its Western Cape operations. This role is responsible for managing procurement operations within defined categories, increasing spend coverage, and identifying opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction. The position plays a key role in supporting business growth by applying strong commercial and strategic sourcing expertise across the supply chain in South Africa and neighbouring markets.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent, preferably in Supply Chain Management, Business Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related field

• Minimum of 5 years’ work experience, ideally within a Procurement environment

• FMCG industry experience is preferred

• Strong understanding of Supply Chain and Procurement principles and standards

• Knowledge of sustainability and environmental practices within the food industry is advantageous

• Proven experience in managing strategic relationships with key suppliers

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with strong attention to detail

• Strong organizational and project management capabilities

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Willingness to travel locally and to neighbouring African countries

• Continuous improvement mindset with a strong focus on cost savings and compliance

• Strong negotiation skills

• Proven ability to lead and develop a team of procurement professionals

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Category Management

• Develop and execute category strategies for high-spend raw material and ingredient categories

• Manage multi-sourcing initiatives, tenders, negotiations, and supplier contracts

• Drive strategic sourcing initiatives aligned with business objectives

Supplier and Vendor Management

• Review and improve supplier performance through KPI analysis and governance

• Manage supplier consolidation, synergies, and coordination across countries

• Conduct vendor evaluations and audits in collaboration with the Quality department

• Lead supplier relationship management, negotiations, and escalation processes

Cost, Risk, and Performance Management

• Identify and implement savings initiatives through value analysis, new suppliers, and innovation

• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies

• Ensure quality, service levels, and cost of goods or services are delivered in line with contracts

• Prepare, analyze, and track budgets for the assigned supplier portfolio

Operational and Strategic Support

• Coordinate with production planning on potential supply risks through S&OP processes

• Support new product launches, supplier changeovers, and dual sourcing initiatives

• Manage item and vendor master data, including code and contract creation

• Support indirect spend coverage and vendor payment reconciliation

• Contribute to innovation initiatives and faster routes to market

• Support the implementation of global and local procurement standards and policies

• Participate in the development and execution of procurement and business strategies