International Procurement Manager

OVERVIEW

The International Procurement Manager is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing the global supply of poultry products to meet the company’s quality, cost, and service requirements. This role involves deep technical knowledge of the poultry industry, international supply markets, import/export regulations, and supplier performance management. The position ensures continuity of supply while optimising total cost, maintaining food safety compliance, and supporting strategic growth across multiple regions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Global Sourcing & Market Strategy

Develop and implement international sourcing strategies for chicken (frozen, processed, value-added).

Analyse global poultry markets, price trends, production cycles, and geopolitical risks affecting supply.

Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers across key sourcing regions (e.g., South America, Europe, Asia, Africa).

Execute RFQs, tenders, and contract negotiations to secure competitive and stable supply agreements.

Manage long-term sourcing strategies, balancing cost, quality, capacity, and sustainability.

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

Build strong partnerships with global poultry producers, processors, and trading partners.

Conduct supplier audits, assessments, and performance reviews in collaboration with Quality and Technical teams.

Ensure suppliers meet food safety certifications (e.g., HACCP, BRC, ISO, Halal, where relevant).

Drive continuous improvement in quality, yield, service, and innovation.

Quality, Compliance & Regulatory Management

Ensure all imported chicken products comply with importing-country regulations, veterinary certifications, and trade requirements.

Collaborate with QA/Technical teams on product specifications, approvals, and quality investigations.

Monitor global regulatory changes affecting poultry trade (tariffs, sanitary regulations, quotas, bans).

Cost, Forecasting & Inventory Management

Analyse cost structures, currency impacts, freight rates, and market volatility to optimise total landed cost.

Work with Supply Chain and Planning teams to maintain appropriate inventory levels and ensure on-time supply.

Track cost savings, budget performance, and forecast supply risks or disruptions.

Logistics & Supply Coordination

Coordinate with logistics teams on shipping schedules, cold-chain integrity, and customs clearance.

Oversee supplier lead times, production planning, and international transport requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with Operations, Sales, Technical, Finance, and Product Development teams to support business needs.

Provide expertise on chicken product categories, market trends, and sourcing opportunities for new products.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Agriculture, Food Science, or related field.

5+ years of procurement experience, preferably in poultry or broader protein categories.

Strong understanding of global chicken markets, production processes, and export regulations.

Experience working with international suppliers and managing complex global supply chains.

Solid negotiation and contract management skills.

Familiarity with food safety standards and international certifications.

Proficient in ERP systems and procurement analytics tools.

Ability to travel internationally.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Strong commercial acumen and strategic mindset

Excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills

Analytical thinker with strong data interpretation abilities

Deep understanding of food safety and regulatory requirements

Ability to manage complexity, ambiguity, and fast-changing market

High attention to detail and commitment to quality

Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Willing to travel substantially