Purchasing Manager – Strategic Sourcing & Supply Continuity

About the role

The Purchasing Manager will lead strategic sourcing, procurement and supply continuity for food ingredients, additives, vitamins, premixes, enzymes, packaging components and other direct and indirect materials. The role supports ongoing operations, new product development and business growth by securing qualified suppliers, negotiating commercial terms and ensuring compliance with quality, food safety and regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies and category plans aligned with operational and product development priorities.
• Analyse market trends, supplier capacity, commodity movements and supply risks to guide purchasing decisions.
• Manage the end‑to‑end purchasing process including RFQs, bid evaluation, negotiation, purchase orders and supplier follow‑up.
• Coordinate with planning, production and warehouse teams to maintain material availability and resolve shortages or quality issues.
• Partner with R&D, Quality, Marketing and Operations to source materials for new products and meet launch timelines.
• Identify, evaluate and develop reliable local and international suppliers and lead commercial negotiations.
• Conduct supplier performance reviews and implement corrective actions or alternative sourcing as needed.
• Deliver cost savings through negotiation, competitive bidding, demand consolidation and total cost of ownership analysis.
• Develop dual‑sourcing, local‑sourcing and contingency plans for critical items and monitor related risks.
• Ensure compliance with technical specifications, food safety standards and Saudi Food and Drug Authority requirements.
• Lead, coach and develop purchasing team members, setting objectives and building capability.

Required profile

• Proven experience in strategic sourcing and procurement of food‑related materials.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and Saudi Food and Drug Authority regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate commercial terms and manage supplier relationships.
• Experience coordinating with cross‑functional teams such as planning, production, R&D and quality.
• Leadership experience in coaching and developing purchasing staff.

Required skills