Senior Category Manager

Westfalia Fruit, is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.

With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Africa.

Westfalia Fruit - situated in Tzaneen, has a vacancy for a suitably qualified and experienced: Senior Category Manager

Purpose of the role:

Lead the development and execution of Westfalia Africa overarching category strategy across all “non fruit” procurement categories. This high-impact role is responsible for driving performance, standardizing best practices, and improving profitability through strategic sourcing, supplier development, and collaboration with commercial, technical, and operations teams across other regions including Europe, North & South America. Act as a regional procurement leader, influencing decision-making at executive level while playing a critical role in shaping the future of procurement for Westfalia Fruit.

Key Responsibilities:

European Procurement Strategy Leadership

• Lead Africa-wide category strategies in alignment with group objectives, category segmentation, and market analysis.
• Guide the development of cross-functional sourcing strategies with measurable goals (e.g., cost savings, risk reduction, innovation).
• Create visibility of procurement performance across sites and consolidate regional supplier strategies.
• Own at least one category of supply

Governance, Policy & Continuous Improvement

• Drive and implement governance models to standardise processes across African teams.
• Lead capability building and training initiatives for local category managers and stakeholders.
• Promote continuous improvement by tracking performance and delivering post-implementation reviews of strategic initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence

• Act as a senior business partner to commercial, technical, supply chain, and quality teams across Africa.
• Drive cross-functional alignment on category spend, supplier relationships, innovation initiatives, and compliance.
• Present procurement strategies and results to the Africa leadership team, influencing long-term business planning.

Supplier Development & Risk Management

• Oversee regional supplier performance management, including SLAs, KPIs, and scorecards.
• Identify and mitigate supply risks through multi-sourcing strategies, contractual safeguards, and market intelligence.
• Promote supplier-led innovation and co-development opportunities with key partners.

Category & Cost Management

• Ensure cost control, budget alignment, and savings delivery across all categories.
• Manage complex negotiations with regional suppliers to optimise terms and increase value creation.
• Own and maintain category roadmaps, tracking strategic initiatives and ensuring value realisation.

Data & Reporting Excellence

• Oversee development of reporting tools and dashboards to measure category performance and procurement contribution to business goals.

• Use spend analytics and forecasting to inform sourcing decisions and executive reporting.
• Deliver insightful reporting to stakeholders
• Lead procurement input into the Africa business planning and financial reporting cycles.

Education:

• Degree in the Supply Chain Management or  other Business related qualification is essential (e.g., CIPS, ISM, or equivalent).
• Post graduate degree will be an advantage

Experience:

• At least 10-15-years’ experience in FMCG, fresh produce, agribusiness, or food manufacturing.
• Proven experience in strategic procurement or category management, preferably with pan-African or global exposure.
• Proven experience in leading cross-functional sourcing initiatives and managing complex supplier negotiations.
• Proven experience in implementation of governance frameworks, influencing senior stakeholders, and driving regional alignment.
• Experience developing supplier partnerships and managing risk in dynamic sourcing environments.
• Previous eexperience implementing digital procurement tools and supporting business transformation projects.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong analytical skills and experience using procurement systems (e.g., ERP, SRM, BI tools).
• Good people management skills across all levels of the business.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to operate at both operational and executive levels.
• Working knowledge of MS Dynamics 365 or similar ERP platforms.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and presentation skills.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Integrity, passion for work, excellence and success
• Excellent communicator with attention to detail
• Business acumen with analytical problem-solving ability
• Results driven team player
• Ability to work under constant pressure
• Self-starter and ability to work independently and as part of a team

The Company offers a Total Guaranteed Remuneration Package which comprises provident fund, insured benefits, and an option to structure an annual bonus.

Closing date for applications will be 25th June 2025

NB: Should you not receive correspondence by 30th July 2025, please regard your application as being unsuccessful.