Sourcing Manager 

Product: Cassava, Starch 

Key Responsibilities

• Sourcing Strategy: Build and execute 6–12-month sourcing plans by season/region; balance spot vs. forward contracts to hit cost and service targets.
• Supplier Base Development: Identify, qualify, and manage farmers, depots/collectors, starch mills, and traders; conduct capacity mapping and routine performance reviews.
• Negotiation & Contracting: Negotiate prices, index-linked formulas, Incoterms, volumes, and payment terms; draft/renew contracts and ensure compliance with company policies.
• Quality & Specifications: Define raw-material specs (e.g., starch %, moisture, foreign matter); set sampling/acceptance criteria; work with QA/QC on inbound inspections and claims.
• Logistics & Operations: Plan collection routes and receiving windows; coordinate 3PLs; control weighbridge, documentation (PO/GRN), and losses/shrink; drive OTIF performance.
• Demand & Inventory Planning: Collaborate with Production/Planning to forecast needs, set safety stocks, and secure continuity during peak/lean seasons.
• Market Intelligence: Track crop outlooks, weather, policy, and regional demand (e.g., China/Vietnam); issue weekly/monthly price and risk reports.
• Risk Management: Implement multi-sourcing, buffers, and alternates; resolve supply disruptions, quality incidents, and commercial disputes.
• Data & Systems: Manage cost dashboards and variance analysis; continuously improve master data.
• Team Leadership: Lead and coach field buyers; enforce HSE and ethical sourcing standards; foster cross-functional collaboration (Production, Quality, Finance).
• Compliance & Sustainability: Uphold Code of Conduct and Anti-Bribery rules; support audits and traceability requirements (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 22000/HACCP).

• Qualifications:
  
  • Bachelors or Masters degree in Science in Agriculture, Field Crops, Agricultural Extension and Development, or other related fields.
  • At least 5 years of experience in sourcing agricultural raw materials (field crops), with a minimum of 3 years in a managerial role.
  • At least 5 years of experience in purchasing/procuring agricultural raw materials, and at least 2–3 years of experience specifically in cassava roots / cassava chips / dried cassava / tapioca starch.
  • Ability to plan quantities and forecast raw material requirements (forecasting & planning), including inventory and supply continuity management.
  • Strong understanding of agricultural raw material quality specifications, including moisture content, impurities, starch percentage, freshness/raw material age, and basic receiving and quality inspection methods.
  • Possession of a strong supplier network within the cassava industry (cassava yards, aggregators, farmers, starch factories, transporters) and the ability to manage strategic relationships effectively.