Procurement Manager - Level 2

JJob Title:             Procurement Manager – Level 2 Reports To:         Procurements and Logistics Executive Manager Job Summary – The Procurement Manager – Level 2 enables procurement and operations activities, ensuring optimal resource allocation, product quality, and data accuracy. This role mentors and develops the Purchasing Associates team, optimizes inventory, and drives cost-effective purchasing practices to deliver a superior customer experience while supporting company vision, mission, and culture. Job Duties Operations & Team Leadership Lead, coach, and develop Purchasing Associates to meet inventory, purchasing, and KPI goals. Monitor staff utilization of tools and reports; ensure competence in Retalix, DAX, NCR, Power BI, and other systems. Ensure all item data (vendor #, description, TPR, Ad specials, counts, parameters) is accurate and up to date. Participate in vendor meetings and support skill development for team members. Prepare team to cover Level 1 Management duties during manager absences. Finance & Procurement Control Ensure deals, items, and promotions are set according to vendor agreements. Analyse procurement reports to monitor departmental targets and KPIs. Maintain correct item setup, active vendors, and gross profit percentages in line with company expectations. Inventory & Logistics Management Monitors daily procurement and warehouse operations, inventory turns, and service levels. Ensure proper use of systems for ordering, warehouse management, and reporting. Monitor close-date products to minimize losses and maintain warehouse efficiency. Ensure Direct Store Delivery (DSD) items are properly maintained and tracked. Identify logistics, improvement opportunities, and potential cost savings. Product & Market Knowledge Research and forecast consumer and market trends to optimize category purchasing. Analyse industry and store data to identify product performance trends. Attend food shows and industry events as required to maintain market knowledge. Organization & Communication Promote a culture of professionalism, open communication, and high performance. Conduct team meetings and coordinate communication between Procurement, Category Management, Data Processing, and Store teams regarding pricing, SKU changes, out-of-stocks, and new products. Support stores and departments in achieving operational and sales goals. Assist marketing with product data for advertisements and promotions. Ensure compliance with company sanitation and safety standards. Levels of Authority & Reporting Purchase from approved vendors within department KPIs; air shipments require policy compliance. New vendors must be approved by Executive Manager, COO Provide progress/status reports on direct reports to the Executive Manager. Establish alternative plans with management if targets cannot be met Qualifications & Experience Minimum 5 years of managerial experience in retail operations or procurement, ideally in a perishable environment. Knowledge of products, processes, and multi-department procurement is desirable. High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education preferred. Skills & Requirements Strong written and verbal English communication. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant industry systems (Retalix, DAX, NCR, Power BI). Ability to read, analyse, and interpret business data to make informed decisions. Effective reporting, presentation, and team management skills. Flexible working hours as required. Core Competencies Professionalism: Integrity, compliance, and respect for company policies. Quality of Work: Accuracy, relevance, and timeliness in all tasks. Communication: Clear, professional, and timely oral and written communication. Team Success: Collaborative, constructive, and supportive team members. Time Management: Efficient planning, prioritization, and execution of tasks. Customer Excellence: Builds strong relationships wit