Job Summary: The Procurement and Commercial Manager will be responsible for managing sales and delivering targeted sales growth for our Feed Mill in Ballaghaderreen. They will be responsible for leading the procurement strategy, managing supplier relationships, and overseeing the commercial operations to support the division's objectives.
This role will focus on optimising supply chains, ensuring product quality, driving profitability, and fostering customer satisfaction.
The manager will collaborate with various internal teams, including operations, quality control, and finance, to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality, cost-effective products that meet market demands and align with the high quality reputation of our brands.
Key Responsibilities: Procurement: Develop and execute procurement strategies that align with the division's goals, focusing on value, quality, and supplier reliability.
Identify and manage relationships with key suppliers, ensuring a consistent supply of raw materials and products that meet the co-operative's standards.
Monitor market trends, commodity prices, and global supply chain risks to make informed purchasing decisions that impact profitability.
Negotiate contracts and terms with suppliers to optimise costs, quality, and delivery schedules.
Collaborate with the product development and quality control teams to ensure that all procured materials meet regulatory standards and contribute to superior product quality.
Commercial Management: Oversee the division's commercial activities, including pricing, margins, and profitability of products.
Monitor market conditions and industry trends to identify opportunities for growth and product development.
Work closely with the operations and marketing teams to develop competitive product offerings that meet customer needs and nutritional demands.
Provide insights and recommendations to the leadership team on market positioning, competitive landscape, and customer trends to drive commercial success.
Support the product development team in sourcing ingredients and materials that meet the nutritional requirements and preferences of the market.
Collaborate with the quality control team to ensure that all products meet regulatory standards and customer expectations for quality and safety.
Engage in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product performance and quality while reducing costs.
Ensure that customer feedback is integrated into procurement and product development strategies to enhance customer satisfaction.
Monitor customer satisfaction levels and collaborate with internal teams to address any issues.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, ensuring the co-operative remains responsive to their needs and preferences.
Conduct risk assessments to identify potential disruptions in supply chains and develop contingency plans.
Analyse financial reports related to procurement and commercial activities, providing insights on performance and areas for improvement.
Key Qualifications & Skills: Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Animal Nutrition, Supply Chain Management, or a Business related discipline.
5+ years commercial experience within the Irish agriculture or agribusiness industry.
A thorough knowledge of the Irish agriculture market, including commodities, pricing, and industry trends.
Experience with product development, quality control, and nutritional standards within the agribusiness sector.
Proven track record of managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and optimising supply chain efficiency.
Strong financial acumen with the ability to analyse market data and make sound business decisions.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Have experience of developing and implementing budgets and team/ employee KPIs and performance appraisals Ideally have experience of ruminant nutrition and diet formulation Competencies: Strategic thinking and problem-solving Strong analytical and decision-making skills Team leadership and collaboration Customer-focused with a commitment to quality and satisfaction Adaptability and innovation Work Environment: This role will require both office work and occasional travel to suppliers, customers, and industry events