Job Purpose:
The Senior Executive, Food Procurement will support the Head of Supply Management in overseeing procurement activities for food and related categories. This role involves strategic sourcing, supplier negotiation, contract management, and stakeholder engagement to ensure consistent supply, quality, cost optimization, compliance, and innovation. The role also supports food service operations, menu planning, and mobilization/tender activities.
Job Requirements:
1. Category & Strategic Sourcing
- Manage designated food categories (fresh, frozen, ambient, beverages, condiments, etc.).
- . Conduct category planning, spend analysis, demand consolidation, and supplier market research.
- . Develop sourcing strategies based on cost optimization, quality, ESG/CSR alignment, and operational requirements.
- . Lead RFI, RFQs, RFPs, and tender exercises including preparation, evaluation, recommendation, and award process.
- . Coordinate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Culinary, Finance) during sourcing and evaluation.
2. Supplier & Contract Management
- Negotiate pricing, payment terms, supply conditions, rebates, and delivery terms with suppliers.
- . Draft, review and manage supplier contracts in alignment with Sodexo's legal, ethical, and procurement policies.
- . Monitor contract validity, track key milestones, and ensure timely renewal or retendering.
- . Ensure compliance with procurement procedures and food safety standards (HACCP, AVA/SFA, HSE, etc.).
3. Operational & Compliance Support
- Support day-to-day operations with purchasing advice, supplier troubleshooting, and emergency sourcing.
- . Manage purchase requisitions, manual purchase orders, and documentation for non-catalogue food items.
- . Monitor delivery performance, follow up on outstanding orders, and resolve fulfilment gaps.
- . Address site complaints, non-conformance, product recalls, and claims resolution with suppliers.
- . Prepare and provide documentation and support during internal/external audits and risk reviews.
4. Vendor Evaluation & Performance Management
- . Establish KPIs for supplier performance, conduct quarterly or annual vendor reviews.
- . Maintain approved vendor list (AVL) and propose updates based on performance and audit feedback.
- . Collaborate with HSE and Culinary teams to ensure food vendors meet Sodexo standards.
5. Cost Savings, ESG, & Process Improvement
- . Drive cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing, re-bidding, product substitution, or bundling.
- . Track and report savings based on procurement-led initiatives.
- . Lead or support sourcing decisions that incorporate sustainability goals such as reducing carbon footprint, waste minimization, or ethical sourcing (e.g., fair trade, cage-free, local sourcing).
- . Promote responsible sourcing practices by engaging suppliers who meet Sodexo's ESG and CSR criteria.
- . Support initiatives aligned with Sodexo's Better Tomorrow Plan and corporate
- sustainability framework (e.g., reduction of single-use plastics, food waste programs, plant-based innovation).
6. Project, Tender & Business Development Support
- . Support food-related procurement for new business mobilization, tenders, and transitions.
- . Work with Business Development team to prepare pricing support, supplier proposals, and compliance documentation.
- . Participate in kick-off meetings, transition planning, and early operations ramp-up.
7. Data, Reporting & Systems
- . Maintain accurate data in procurement systems (ERP, vendor database, contract logs).
- . Prepare procurement dashboards, cost tracking, and spend reports for management review.
- . Ensure supplier pricing is updated and catalogues are maintained accurately in the system.
- . Monthly Inflation report
