Procurement Specialist (Animal Feeds)

Tongaat Hulett has a Proud 134-year History and a Strong Socio-economic Legacy in  KwaZulu-Natal Province, in South Africa, and into sub-Saharan Africa. Technical Operations include the following: -

• Four Sugar Manufacturing Mills situated on along the North Coast of Kwa Zulu Natal stretching from Tongaat through to Empangeni.
• A Sugar Refining Operation based in South Coast Road Durban
• An Animal Feed Manufacturing Plant situated in Tongaat alongside the Maidstone Sugar Mill.
• A Technical Operations Support Comprising Technical Specialists who provide high level support to the operations both in South Africa and foreign operations.

The Company’s Current Priority is to Improve the Overall Business Performance in the Medium to Longer term and our Objectives are to Operate Strategically, Sustainably, Efficiently and Profitably. Tongaat Hulett’s focus is on Re-energising Assets that will be cash-generative and exploring new customer segments.

Going forward the Company is focused on leveraging our Value Chain, and Creating a Platform for long-term growth, while maintaining Strong Relationships with our Key Stakeholders.

Dimensions:

a) Compliance

• Execute Procurement in line with Tongaat-Hulett Policies.
• Maintain Audit-ready Records and Compliance.
• Align to Group Contracts and Sourcing Mandates.

b) Process Complexity

• Manage Diverse Raw Materials Portfolio
• Balance Cost, Availability and Quality
• Mitigate Procurement Risks through Sourcing Strategies

Purpose of role:

The Procurement Specialist role is a site-based position, based at Voermol Feeds. The role is Responsible for Sourcing, Purchasing, Managing Raw Materials, Packaging, and Services critical to Voermol Feeds' Animal Feed Manufacturing Operations, Ensuring Cost-effective, Compliant, and Reliable Supply in support of Production Continuity and Business objectives. To Procure all Raw Materials required by Voermol ensuring Cost Competitiveness, Quality Compliance and Continuity of Supply within Tongaat-Hulett Governance Frameworks.

Top Accountabilities:

1. Procurement Financial and Commercial Applications

• Manage Procurement Costs against Approved Budgets and Prevailing Market Conditions, with particular attention to Agricultural Commodity Price Volatility (e.g. Maize, Molasses, Protein Meals, and other Feed Raw Materials) driven by Weather Patterns, and Global Commodity Markets.
• Support the Voermol’s Working Capital Objectives and Demand Forecasting processes by ensuring Procurement Planning aligns with Financial Targets, Cash Flow Requirements, and the Cyclical Nature of Raw Material availability.

2. Demand Planning and Sourcing

• Align Procurement activities with Production and Operational Requirements across Voermol Feed, ensuring the timely availability of Raw Materials, additives, and packaging to prevent production downtime.
• Identify, onboard, and manage suppliers of Agricultural Commodities and Feed ingredients in line with the Company’s Sourcing & Procurement Standards, ensuring Supplier capability, capacity, and Compliance with Feed Safety and Quality Standards meet current and future business needs.
• Build Strategic Relationships with various Stakeholders to secure consistent supply.

3. Execution and Contract Management

• Execute day-to-day purchasing activities through SAP, ensuring Accuracy, Compliance, and efficiency in transaction processing, including alignment with Tongaat Hulett group procurement policies and systems.
• Manage Supplier contracts from Negotiation through to Execution, including Forward Contracts and hedging arrangements common in commodity procurement, and monitor ongoing supplier performance against agreed contractual terms, delivery schedules, and quality specifications.

4. Procurement Support

• Provide Procurement support across Packaging (Bags, Bulk Packaging Materials), SHEQ, and Engineering-related purchasing requirements, with specific awareness of Feed Safety, Biosecurity, and Regulatory Compliance Requirements applicable to the Animal Feed Industry (e.g. Act 36 of 1947 - Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act).
• Offer limited support for Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and services-related Procurement as required by the Business, including Maintenance and Engineering Spares.

5. Relationship Management

• Build and Maintain Strong Working Relationships with Suppliers, including Commodity traders, Ingredient Manufacturers, and Packaging Suppliers, to ensure Reliable Service Delivery and favourable Commercial terms.
• Proactively Identify and Communicate Procurement-related Risks to Management, including Commodity Price Fluctuations, Supply Chain Disruptions, and Quality or Compliance risks, to enable timely decision-making and risk mitigation.
• Liaise with Internal Stakeholders including Production, SHEQ, and Technical teams to ensure Procurement supports Operational and Quality requirements.

6. Reporting and Administration

• Maintain Accurate and up-to-date Procurement Records in line with Governance and Audit Requirements, including Tongaat Hulett group reporting standards where applicable.
• Compile and Provide regular reporting on Procurement Performance, Supplier Risks, Commodity Market Trends, and related Metrics to Support informed Management decision-making.

Qualifications and Experience Required:

• Relevant Tertiary Qualification in Procurement or Supply Chain Management
• 10+ Years of Relevant Experience
• Feed/Agriculture Industry Experience Essential
• Strong Commercial, SAP or Similar ERP System Expertise
• Understanding of Agricultural Commodity Markets & Feed Raw Materials
• Knowledge of Relevant Regulatory & Compliance Requirements in Animal Feed Industry.
• Computer Skills
• Analysis Expertise
• Communication Skills
• Assertiveness
• Interpersonal Skills

Behavioural Requirements:

• Strong Commercial Judgement
• Ability to Challenge Stakeholders
• Ownership Mindset
• Operate within Governance Frameworks

Success Measures:

• No Raw Material Stockouts
• Cost Savings Achieved
• Supplier Stability
• Full Compliance Achieved

Barriers to Success in role:

• Inability to Lead Teams and Build Relationships across Cultures
• Inability to Connect and Build Positive Relationships
• Inability to Negotiate Effectively
• Inability to Partner with Supply, Demand and Commercial

Apply online with an up-to-date CV and cover letter.

Closing date: 28 August 2026