Strategic Sourcing Manager (F&B & Manufacturing)

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are looking for an experienced Strategic Sourcing Manager – F&B & Manufacturing is responsible for developing and executing sourcing and procurement strategies to ensure a timely, cost-effective, and high-quality supply of materials, ingredients, packaging, equipment, and services for both F&B store operations and chocolate manufacturing facilities.

This role ensures supplier reliability, cost optimization, supply continuity, and full compliance with food safety standards (FSSC, HACCP, ISO, Halal, Kosher) and local regulatory requirements.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for key categories: ingredients, raw materials, packaging, equipment, and services.

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, quality, supply security, and regulatory compliance (food safety, FSSC, Halal, Kosher, etc.).

• Lead RFQ/RFP processes, supplier benchmarking, and commercial negotiations.

• Establish and maintain Approved Supplier Lists (ASL) and dual-/multi-sourcing strategies for critical materials.

2. Contracting & Supplier Relationship Management

• Lead negotiations on contracts, pricing, MOQs, lead times, payment terms, and delivery conditions.

• Build and maintain long-term strategic partnerships with key suppliers.

• Ensure supplier compliance with food safety, legal, and internal company policies.

• Monitor contract performance, renewal timelines, and commercial terms.

• Conduct periodic supplier performance reviews (quality, cost, delivery, service).

• Assess supply risks (price volatility, logistics disruption, seasonal availability).

• Develop and maintain contingency plans and alternative sourcing options.

3. F&B Store Chain Procurement

• Manage procurement of food ingredients, beverages, consumables, uniforms, store equipment, and POS-related supplies.

• Ensure consistency in product quality, specifications, and approved suppliers across all stores.

• Coordinate with Operations and Store Managers to forecast demand and prevent shortages or overstock.

4. Chocolate Manufacturing & Production Procurement

• Manage sourcing of ingredients for different production lines, including cocoa nibs, cocoa powder, chocolate applications (molding, panning, enrobing), and packaging materials.

• Align procurement activities with production planning, inventory targets, and quality standards.

• Work closely with Production, QA/QC, and R&D teams on new product development, trials, and supplier qualification.

5. Cost Control & Financial Management

• Prepare and manage procurement budgets.

• Monitor Purchase Price Variance (PPV) and key cost drivers.

• Identify and execute cost-saving and value-engineering initiatives without compromising quality, food safety, or brand standards.

6. Quality, Compliance & Food Safety

• Ensure suppliers comply with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements (FSSC, HACCP, ISO, Halal, Kosher, and local regulations).

• Support internal and external audits, inspections, and supplier assessments.

• Ensure full traceability, documentation, and compliance for all raw materials and ingredients.

7. Cross-functional & Business Support

• Work closely with Operations, Production, Finance, QA/QC, R&D, and Logistics teams.

• Provide sourcing and procurement insights to support business expansion, new store openings, and factory scale-up projects.

8. Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop the Sourcing/Procurement team.

• Define clear KPIs and monitor individual and team performance.

• Ensure compliance with internal procurement policies, procedures, and ethical standards.

Perform other tasks as assigned by the Line Manager or Board of Directors.

‒ Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Food Technology, or related fields.

‒ Minimum 5–8 years of experience in Purchasing/Sourcing, preferably in F&B, FMCG, or food manufacturing.

‒ Experience in both retail/F&B chain and factory manufacturing environments is a strong advantage.

‒ Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.

‒ Solid understanding of food ingredients, packaging, and production materials.

‒ Knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP, FSSC, ISO, Halal).

‒ Experience with ERP/MRP systems and procurement data analysis.

‒ Strong budgeting and cost control capability.

‒ Strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

‒ Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

‒ Problem-solving and risk management mindset.

‒ High integrity and compliance awareness.