Head of Group Procurement (Wine Industry)

SUMMARY:
Our client is seeking an experienced Head of Group Procurement to join their dynamic team. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant tertiary qualification in Procurement, with a strong preference for FMCG experience, and a minimum of 5 years in a similar leadership role. A CIPS qualification and financial background (CIMA or CA) are advantageous. Candidates must demonstrate advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, with SAGE experience, which is considered a plus. Strong English communication skills, a valid driver’s license, and previous exposure to European or group-level procurement are essential.

POSITION INFO:
A recent professional profile photo is to accompany your application
EMPLOYMENT TYPE : Permanent
SECTOR : Procurement
BASIC SALARY : Market Related
START DATE : A.S.A.P / Immediate

REQUIREMENTS:

• Grade 12 (Matric)
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Procurement, preferably within an FMCG environment
• CIPS qualification (advantageous)
• Financial background — an accounting qualification (CIMA or CA) is an added advantage
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar position, with exposure to operations, manufacturing, and a costing environment
• European and/or Group Procurement experience
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word
• Experience with SAGE software (advantageous)
• Fluent verbal and written English communication skills
• Valid driver’s license

• Manage contracts, KPIs, and SLAs to ensure continuous supply of goods and services, including bottling production, quality control, and cost savings.
• Meet regularly with local and European suppliers to discuss service levels, pricing, and performance; escalate significant price fluctuations to the COO.
• Negotiate competitive prices, rebate structures, and settlement discounts for dry goods across European and South African markets.
• Negotiate rebates on all exports and volume baselines (not limited to dry goods).
• Source, select, and build strong relationships with suppliers, including quarterly evaluations and reconciliations
• Formulate and manage CAPEX and OPEX budget strategies for bottling suppliers, services, and related projects
• Manage tenders and quotes related to OPEX budgets, annual bottling forecasts, labelling, and planning.
• Conduct quarterly supplier monitoring and ensure annual performance reviews and continuous performance tracking.
• Liaise with overseas bottlers to ensure up-to-date production costs are applied and production is appropriately allocated.
• Lead weekly and monthly meetings to determine overseas bottling strategies and pricing in coordination with the Head of Group Commercial Planning & Forecasting.
• Manage and control variances in stock and dry goods costs related to overseas bottling, in line with Group Commercial requirements.
• Oversee group purchasing processes to ensure timely availability of bottling raw materials.
• Supervise procurement functions in Europe and the UK to ensure smooth and cost-effective raw material flow.
• Identify and resolve supply-related issues promptly to prevent recurrence.
• Involving key personnel from NPD and Sales in procurement decision-making processes
• Improve procurement governance and stakeholder engagement at international/European levels.
• Drive reductions in overstock and deadstock; reduce inventory holding costs.
• Ensure adherence to Procure-to-Pay (P2P) processes
• Standardize costs and ensure purchase alignment with standard works order costs.
• Conduct supplier market research and forecast ordering based on data.
• Reduce industry-standard over/under supply tolerance of 10%.

• Advise on administrative processes to optimize overseas stock levels.
• Lead procurement strategy for priority categories, including supplier negotiations and compliance with credit and contract policies.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives and adoption of procurement best practices.
• Maintain personal development to stay current with global procurement trends.
• Ensure minimal and logical procurement levels for dry goods and materials.
• Oversee recoveries and invoice signoffs for overseas bottling operations.
• Provide procurement-related reports and insights to the Group Financial Director.
• Ensure stock reports (e.g., ClickView) are accurate, robust, and user-friendly.
• Aligning global contracts with commercial and financial strategies.
• Ensure effective use of SAGE and Projected Components by the team.

• Facilitate clear communication across teams and provide support for issue resolution and conflict handling.
• Monitor team performance and identify skills gaps and training needs.

• Monitor and report on rework, deviations, CARs (Corrective Action Reports), and customer complaints.
• Flag dry goods delivery issues at least two weeks before scheduled production.
• Maintain a global Stock Loss Analysis Report.
• Identify and implement cost-saving projects across the group.
• Drive behavioral change across the business to support procurement goals.
• Report on cost-reduction strategies and ensure proper implementation.
• Lead initiatives on service delivery improvements, supplier base consolidation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide monthly aged stock reports to Sales Representatives.

• Ensure staff adherence to Quality Management System (QMS) standards and protocols.
• Maintain QMS documentation, including quality certificates and supplier files.
• Participate in quality seminars and enforce GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards.
• Maintain site security in responsible areas.

• Attend HACCP and Health & Safety (H&S) meetings as required.
• Collaborate with Planning and Procurement Manager to promote safe working practices in line with company and statutory policies.

• Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 17:00