Purchasing Officer (based in Ghana)

Job purpose summary :

The Purchasing Officer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing materials, ingredients, packaging, and other goods required for the manufacturing plant. The role involves ensuring that all purchases meet quality standards, are cost-effective, and are delivered on time to support the production process.

Required skills & qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

5+ years of experience in procurement or purchasing, preferably in the food and beverage manufacturing industry.

Strong negotiation and communication skills.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Knowledge of food safety regulations and industry standards.

Duties & responsibilities :

• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers for materials, ingredients, machinery, spare parts, and packaging.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality products.
• Conduct supplier audits to ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Create and manage purchase orders & ensure it passes through the required process.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to achieve cost savings without compromising quality.
• Monitor inventory levels to ensure that the production process is not disrupted due to material shortages.
• Collaborate with the quality control team to ensure all purchased materials meet the required specifications & standards.
• Address any quality issues with suppliers and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Assist in the development of the procurement budget and ensure adherence to it.
• Track spending against the budget and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all purchasing activities, contracts, and agreements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations, including food safety and environmental standards.
• Stay updated on market trends, pricing fluctuations, and availability of raw materials.
• Provide insights & recommendations to the management team regarding potential risks or opportunities in the supply chain.
• Work closely with production, logistics, quality assurance, and finance teams to ensure smooth operations.
• Participate in product development meetings and / or exhibitions to provide input on the availability and cost of new ingredients or materials.

The responsibilities & duties detailed above are not intended to be exhaustive. It can be amended any time according to business needs. The employee is welcome to make suggestions to expand the scope of the duties.