This FMCG Food Group is a high profile, very fast moving multi-billion Rand business which is prestigious and entrepreneurial and incorporates manufacturing, wholesale & retail. There are multiple Branches nationally and each Branch has their own Buying Team who reports into the Branch Procurement Manager. There are a number of Category Procurement Managers based at the Corporate Head Office where this candidate will be based and will report into the National Procurement Director together with the other Procurement Managers. There are multiple Food Categories which are divided amongst the Category Procurement Managers as are the National Suppliers. Each category is divided into sub-categories and each Category Procurement Manager is allocated a percentage of the categories, sub-categories and is directly responsible for them. In addition, the candidate will deal with the specific Supplier for each of those categories as well as manage, train and liaise directly with the allocated Branch Procurement Managers and their Teams of Buyers. In summary, each Category Procurement Manager is responsible for their allocated categories which all need to be measured, analysed and grown.Key performance areas, inter alia, include: Category Management grow each category, report thereon, manage Product Suppliers, maintain Category Product Master (there is a very sophisticated IT software)Deliver Category Growth Targets & Incentives manage Supplier growth targets & Supplier performanceSupplier Maintenance negotiate pricing, build & improve relationships, regular reviews with Suppliers & assist them with Branch concerns, facilitate buying, negotiate promotional deals, analyse product sales in volume & value, monitor competitive pricingFood Safety ensure all Suppliers comply with regulations & assist in improving their ScorecardManufacturing identify further manufacturing opportunitiesStock Forecasting & Distribution Models using sophisticated Excel Spreadsheets, actively build models & assist Branches with holding Model stocksAdvertising and Marketing actively manage each Suppliers annual advertising spend & effectiveness, critically analyse all promotions, formulate advertising & marketing plans with SuppliersNational Travel travel nationally to the Regions & Branches periodically to train, perform full Category review and report on findings, bring Buying & Sales Teams togetherImports monitor category imports, liaise & negotiate with overseas Suppliers where applicable, look for overseas food opportunities for suitable products.Requirements:Post matric Procurement qualification and with requisite Generalist Food Procurement experience which is a prerequisite to be considered for this roleAble to cultivate, build & maintain superior interpersonal relationships with various levels and types of peopleAble to adapt to a highly entrepreneurial, very fast paced trading environment in a proactive, assertive yet diplomatic business culture and be exceptionally "hands-on"Able to work both independently and in a team (there are no Subordinates) and with mutual concern for other members in the teamVery strong negotiation skills as well as verbal & written ability, highly analytical, an eye for detail, noting that the candidate must have advanced Excel skillsVibrant, outgoing, deadline driven and willing to go the extra mile.