An opportunity exists for interested and qualified candidates to apply for the mentioned position at Namib Mills (Pty) Ltd., Windhoek.
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
Responsible for the strategic and operational management of raw material, ingredients, spare parts and packaging material procurement for Namib Mills. Given that most raw materials are imported, this role requires advanced expertise in global sourcing, commodity market trends, technical import processes (including permits, customs clearance, shipping, and logistics), and packaging innovation. The incumbent will ensure that procurement activities are cost-effective, legally compliant, aligned with Namib Mills’ quality and food safety standards, and supportive of long-term business sustainability.
KEY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Strategic Procurement Management
- Develop and implement procurement strategies for raw and packaging materials, spare parts and ingredients, to ensure continuous supply and competitive pricing.
- Lead supplier negotiations, long-term agreements, and risk-sharing arrangements to stabilise supply security.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of commodity market prices, Safex accounts, and global raw material trends to support executive decision-making.
- Explore and integrate international innovations in raw materials and packaging into Namib Mills’ product development.
2. Raw Material Stock & Forecasting
- Forecast and plan raw material requirements in conjunction with production and sales trends.
- Collaborate with Operations, Distribution, Sales, and Finance to align forecasts, lead times, model/ buffer stocks, and working capital management.
- Implement inventory optimisation strategies to reduce holding costs while ensuring uninterrupted production.
3. Packaging Material and Ingredients Stock & Forecasting
- Forecast and plan packaging material requirements in conjunction with production and sales trends.
- Collaborate with Operations, Sales, and Finance to align forecasts, lead times, model/ buffer stocks, and working capital management.
- Implement inventory optimisation strategies to reduce holding costs while ensuring uninterrupted production.
4. Import & Logistics Management
- Oversee the end-to-end importation process, including permits, customs compliance, shipping, and clearing.
- Manage sea freight (port-to-door), road transport, and related logistics partners.
- Ensure documentation, insurance, tariffs, Incoterms, and administrative arrangements are fully compliant and cost optimised.
- Build contingency plans for global shipping disruptions, port delays, and border bottlenecks.
5. Cost Efficiency & Risk Management
- Drive cost reduction initiatives across procurement, logistics, and supplier management.
- Conduct scenario planning and risk analyses on currency fluctuations, commodity price volatility, and supplier concentration risks.
- Advise the Executive team on cost-efficient systems and alternative sourcing models.
6. Contract & Supplier Relationship Management
- Develop, implement, and monitor procurement and supplier contracts to ensure compliance with legal and operational requirements.
- Support General, Operations, Distribution & Logistics and Bakery Manager in structuring and managing operational contracts beyond procurement (e.g. logistics, service providers).
- Maintain strong, strategic supplier relationships to secure preferential terms and mitigate supply risks.
- Enforce adherence to contractual obligations and quality standards.
7. Quality & Food Safety Management
- Maintain packaging material quality standards per requirements.
- Align procurement decisions to raw material, ingredients and packaging specifications and quality and food safety requirements.
- Ensure all required quality documentation is obtained
- Support food safety system compliance by adhering to established work systems.
- Collaborate with internal departments to develop and investigate new packaging concepts and innovations for quality improvement and cost savings, when required.
- Collaborate with internal departments to monitor product lines, recommending discontinuation of underperforming products where relevant.
8. Contractual Oversight
- Support General, Operations, Distribution & Logistics and Bakery Manager in contract setup and negotiation.
- Ensure contract management complies with Namibian and South African legislation and guidelines.
- Keep abreast of legal changes affecting contracts.
- Monitor contract costing and prevent scope or cost creep.
9. Leadership, Compliance & Reporting
- Lead the procurement function, ensuring compliance with Namib Mills policies, Namibian labour and trade legislation, and international import/export standards.
- Prepare and present monthly procurement reports, including commodity price trends, Safex reconciliations, supplier performance, and cost savings.
- Build and mentor a capable procurement team, fostering accountability, negotiation excellence, and continuous improvement.
10. Ad hoc Duties
- Performing any ad hoc duties as per instructions from your manager.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics, or related field (Master’s degree or CIPS certification preferred).
- Minimum 7–10 years of procurement and logistics experience, with at least 3 years in a managerial role.
- Demonstrated expertise in managing international imports, customs compliance, and shipping logistics.
- Experience in FMCG, manufacturing, or agro-processing industries is highly advantageous.
- Familiarity with food safety systems.
- Strong financial acumen, including Safex account management and commodity trading exposure.
OTHER
- Namibian citizen OR eligible to apply for Namibian citizenship.
- Computer literate with mastery of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Proficiency in English and Afrikaans.
- Valid driver’s license.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
- Advanced knowledge of import/export legislation, permits, and compliance.
- Analytical ability in commodity markets, risk management, and cost modelling.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.
- Strategic thinker with proven operational execution and project management skills.
Namib Mills is an equal opportunity employer.
Previously Disadvantaged Namibians (PDN) and women are encouraged to apply.
CVs with full details can be forwarded to: hr3@namibmills.com.na (not larger than 2MB).
Subject line for applications should be: NMPSC061125 – SOURCING & SUPPLY MANAGER
Only applications with this subject line will be considered.
It is imperative to note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 19 NOVEMBER 2025
