Manager - Procurement

Job Summary

Procurement Specialist - Manage end-to-end procurement of fruit pulp, dairy, dry fruits, and other agri-based raw materials - along with packaging and indirect materials - that go into Paper Boat's ethnic beverage and foods portfolio. Build and manage a resilient, quality-first vendor base across domestic and international sourcing geographies (e.g. mango, jamun, and kokum from Indian growing regions; select fruit and seed sourcing from international markets) and Fairtrade-aligned sourcing programs (e.g. groundnut sourcing for chikki). Partner with Manufacturing (Manesar & Mysuru plants), Quality, R&D, and Finance to align procurement plans with production schedules, seasonality of fruit harvests, and festival/seasonal-edition launches.

Key Responsibilities

• 1. Manage the full procurement lifecycle - PR/RFQ/PO creation, vendor negotiation, contracting, and PO-to-GRN closure - for fruit pulp/concentrate, dairy inputs, dry fruits, spices, and packaging materials.
• 2. Develop and execute category sourcing strategies for seasonal and agri-linked raw materials, planning ahead for harvest windows and building buffer stock strategies to de-risk seasonality.
• 3. Conduct vendor identification, qualification, and onboarding - including farmer collectives / Fairtrade-certified suppliers - through structured audits, sample evaluation, and commercial negotiation.
• 4. Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and rate contracts; track global commodity and agri-input price movements to inform sourcing decisions.
• 5. Track supplier OTIF and quality performance, lead structured vendor review meetings, and drive corrective actions for underperforming vendors.
• 6. Collaborate with Manufacturing and Demand Planning to align raw material procurement with production schedules, minimizing stockouts ahead of peak summer season and festival launches (e.g. Thandai, Panakam, Sherbet-e-Khas).
• 7. Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives through specification rationalization, vendor consolidation, and alternate/local sourcing development.
• 8. Maintain accurate procurement records, vendor contracts (including Fairtrade/ethical sourcing documentation), and MIS reports for management review.

Desired Skills

• 1. Strong negotiation and vendor management skills, ideally with exposure to agri-commodity or perishable raw material sourcing.
• 2. Solid understanding of procurement processes, contract management, and supplier performance frameworks in a food/beverage manufacturing setup.
• 3. Working knowledge of ERP systems (SAP MM, Oracle) for procurement transactions.
• 4. Advanced Excel skills for spend analysis and reporting; exposure to Power BI is an advantage.
• 5. Ability to manage multiple categories and stakeholders - including seasonal/harvest-linked sourcing - in a fast-paced FMCG environment.
• 6. High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving ability; comfort working with both domestic and international suppliers.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Food Technology, or Business; MBA preferred.
• 5-7 years of procurement experience, preferably in FMCG, food & beverage, or agri-commodity sourcing.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• 1. Cost savings achieved against category budgets
• 2. Supplier OTIF and quality compliance, including for seasonal raw materials
• 3. Procurement cycle time (PR to PO)
• 4. Vendor base diversification, ethical sourcing compliance, and risk mitigation

Current Standings

Over the past decade, Hector Beverages has expanded its product line to include fruit juices, coconut water, and iconic Indian beverages such as Aam panna and Jal-jeera and foods & dry fruits which includes products such as Chikki, Aam Papad, range of raw, roasted, and flavored dry fruits that includes mix of nuts, berries & seeds. The brand is synonymous with distinctive flavors and premium ingredients. Furthermore, the firm's commitment to quality and innovation is evidenced by its extensive infrastructure of nine dedicated factories (and counting) for Paper Boat products, providing direct employment to approximately 900 individuals and indirect employment to another 2000.

Organizational Culture

At its core, Hector Beverages thrives on a culture rooted in innovation, creativity, and collaboration. The company's flat organizational structure promotes open dialogue, empowering employees to lead their projects passionately. Hector Beverages is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need. The organization is dedicated to fostering high-performing teams. Moreover, the culture of celebrating both minor and major achievements, nurture a motivated and committed workforce, driving exponential growth.

Role Details

• Function: Supply Chain & Logistics
• Reporting: Procurement Manager
• Designation: Procurement Specialist
• Travel: Occasional (vendor, farm-gate, and plant visits)
• Location: Bangalore (HQ)

Disclaimer: This job posting has been aggregated from external source. Role details, content, and availability are subject to change. Applicants are advised to confirm the latest information directly on the company website before applying.