Manager Sourcing and Farmer Engagement at Dorbe-Leit Solutions Limited

Job Description

• As an experienced professional you shall lead sourcing strategies, farmer engagement, and certification efforts, focusing on direct farmer sourcing and expanding to new areas through Extensions officers and Village Buying Agents in the region. Reporting to the Managing Director, the role has two direct reports- Sourcing Manager and the Assistant Sourcing Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Achieve sourcing targets for organic and conventional produce.
• Implement innovative, cost-effective international sourcing strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with farmers, Village Buying Agents, and brokers.
• Manage the sourcing process within budget and policies.
• Coordinate strategies between sourcing and certification.
• Support the ICS department to maintain certifications, particularly Organic.

Strategic Sourcing:

• Understand market dynamics, monitor competitive factors, and track trends
• Refine pricing models and develop comprehensive sourcing plans
• Implement inclusive sourcing initiatives
• Manage farmer engagement, including price negotiations and quality oversight

Farmer Engagement:

• Develop and manage farmer groups, coordinate collections, and handle sourcing concerns
• Optimize logistics and sourcing structure
• Assess feasibility of village buying agents

Budget Management:

• Monitor spend, derive insights for sourcing strategies, and oversee the sourcing budget

New Sourcing Initiatives:

• Plan and execute new sourcing and expansion initiatives
• Ensure quality, budget adherence, and effective stakeholder communication

Crisis Management:

• Ensure fast resolutions and continuity of supply during crises
• Network to leverage sourcing knowledge and opportunities.

Team Management:

• The Manager is expected to provide constant leadership, counseling, advice, and feedback to their peers.
• They must provide an environment of openness and trust, with constant feedback and performance coaching

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics
• 5 years of relevant work experience
• Excellent sourcing and procurement techniques
• Strong understanding of farming practices and equipment
• Analytical thinking, decision-making, and negotiation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Exceptional organizational, leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Excellent engagement skills.
• Great delegation skills.

Behavioural Competencies

• Team working
• Following procedures
• Upholding standards
• Meeting timescales
• Thinking positively
• Taking Action

Functional Skills

• Analysing information
• Adapting practical approaches
• Making decisions
• Articulate information
• Checking things
• Keen to details
• Excellent analytical skills