We are looking for an experienced Senior Procurement Manager to lead and manage the complete procurement function for our frozen food business. The person will be responsible for sourcing raw materials, frozen food products, packaging materials, consumables, and other business requirements while ensuring the right quality, competitive pricing, and timely delivery.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Procurement

- Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with business and production requirements.
- Plan procurement based on production schedules, sales forecasts, inventory levels, and business demand.
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
- Develop alternate sourcing strategies to avoid supply disruptions.

2. Raw Material & Frozen Food Procurement

- Manage procurement of frozen food products, raw materials, ingredients, food products, packaging materials, and other supplies.
- Source products from manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and approved vendors.
- Ensure materials are procured as per required specifications, quantity, quality, and delivery timelines.
- Coordinate with Production and Quality teams for material requirements and specifications.

3. Vendor Management

- Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers and vendors.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
- Conduct vendor negotiations regarding price, payment terms, credit period, MOQ, transportation, and delivery schedules.
- Regularly evaluate supplier performance based on quality, price, delivery, and service.
- Develop alternate vendors for critical products and materials.

4. Price & Cost Management

- Negotiate competitive purchase prices with suppliers.
- Obtain and compare quotations from multiple vendors.
- Monitor market prices and changes in raw material costs.
- Prepare rate comparison statements and obtain necessary approvals.




- Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising product quality.
- Review supplier pricing periodically and negotiate better commercial terms.

5. Purchase Order & Procurement Process

- Review purchase requisitions and approve procurement requirements as per company policy.
- Ensure timely creation and release of purchase orders.
- Track open purchase orders and follow up with suppliers for timely delivery.
- Ensure proper documentation for all procurement transactions.
- Coordinate with Accounts regarding invoices, payments, and supplier outstanding issues.

6. Inventory & Supply Planning

- Coordinate with Stores, Production, Sales, and Supply Chain teams to maintain optimum inventory levels.
- Avoid stock-outs of fast-moving and critical products.
- Monitor slow-moving, non-moving, and excess inventory.
- Plan purchases based on lead time, MOQ, shelf life, and storage capacity.
- Ensure proper stock rotation for frozen and perishable products.

7. Quality & Food Safety

- Coordinate with the Quality team to ensure suppliers meet company quality and food safety standards.
- Ensure procurement is made only from approved/reliable suppliers.
- Address quality complaints and coordinate with vendors for corrective action.
- Monitor product specifications, shelf life, packaging standards, and required certifications/documents.
- Ensure compliance with applicable food safety and regulatory requirements.

8. Logistics & Delivery Coordination





- Coordinate with suppliers and logistics teams to ensure timely delivery.
- Monitor transportation costs and delivery schedules.
- Ensure proper handling and transportation requirements for frozen products.
- Follow up on delayed, short, damaged, or incorrect deliveries and resolve issues with suppliers.

9. Team Management

- Lead and supervise the procurement/purchase team.
- Allocate responsibilities and monitor team performance.
- Establish procurement procedures and ensure proper follow-up.
- Train team members on purchasing processes, vendor management, documentation, and negotiation.

10. MIS & Reporting

- Prepare regular procurement reports for management.
- Monitor purchase value, price variations, vendor performance, savings, pending orders, and inventory.
- Maintain procurement data and vendor records.
- Provide management with market updates and procurement recommendations.

Preferred candidate profile

- Bachelor's degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Business Administration, Food Technology, or a related field.
- MBA/PG qualification in Supply Chain, Procurement, or Operations will be an added advantage.
- 712 years of relevant procurement/purchase experience, preferably in the frozen food, FMCG, food manufacturing, or food distribution industry.
- Strong experience in vendor development, sourcing, negotiation, and purchase management.
- Good understanding of frozen food products, food ingredients, packaging materials, and supply requirements.
- Strong knowledge of procurement processes, inventory management, and supplier management.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
- Robust analytical and decision-making abilities.
- Good knowledge of MS Excel and ERP/purchase management software.
- Ability to manage multiple suppliers and procurement activities simultaneously.
- Willingness to travel for supplier visits, if required

📌 Senior Procurement Manager (Chennai)
🏢 Crestfoods
📍 Chennai