Job Summary:
The Assistant Procurement Manager (Direct Raw Materials) is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring agricultural commodities directly from farmers, aggregators, and producer groups to support AACE Foods' production requirements. The role focuses on ensuring consistent supply, quality compliance, cost efficiency, and sustainability of raw materials while reducing reliance on intermediaries.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Sourcing & Supplier Development
Source agricultural raw materials (e.g., spices, grains) directly from farmers, cooperatives, aggregators, and off-takers.
Identify, onboard, and develop reliable supplier networks in key farming regions.
Build long-term relationships with farmers and producer groups to ensure supply continuity.
Support backward integration initiatives and contract farming arrangements where applicable.
Procurement Operations
Plan and execute procurement activities in line with production forecasts and inventory targets.
Negotiate pricing, volumes, delivery schedules, and payment terms to achieve cost efficiency.
Issue purchase orders and monitor order fulfillment timelines.
Ensure timely availability of raw materials to avoid production disruptions.
Quality, Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure sourced materials meet defined quality specifications and food safety standards.
Work closely with Quality Control to conduct supplier quality assessments and inspections.
Monitor seasonal risks, price volatility, and supply constraints and recommend mitigation actions.
Ensure compliance with internal procurement policies and regulatory requirements.
Cost Control & Market Intelligence
Track commodity price trends and provide market intelligence to management.
Support cost-saving initiatives through direct sourcing and improved negotiation strategies.
Prepare cost comparisons and sourcing analysis for management decision-making.
Documentation & Reporting
Maintain accurate procurement records, contracts, supplier profiles, and sourcing data.
Prepare procurement reports covering volumes, pricing, supplier performance, and savings achieved.
Support audits and management reviews with complete and accurate documentation.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Production, Quality Assurance, Warehouse, and Finance teams.
Support new product development by sourcing new or alternative raw materials.
Provide procurement input into sustainability and ethical sourcing initiatives.
Education And Experience:
BSc/HND in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, or a related field.
CIPS, CIPSMN, or equivalent procurement certification is an advantage.
Minimum of 5 - 7 years' experience in procurement, with strong hands-on experience sourcing agricultural commodities.
Proven experience in direct farmer sourcing, commodity trading, or agribusiness supply chains.
Desired Competencies
Experience within a food processing, FMCG, or agribusiness environment is required.
Strong knowledge of agricultural commodity markets and seasonal supply cycles.
Excellent negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
Good understanding of quality requirements for food-grade raw materials.
Strong analytical and cost management capabilities.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple sourcing locations.
Good communication and stakeholder management skills.
Willingness to travel to farming clusters and supplier locations.