JOB OVERVIEW:

Position: Associate Procurement Manager - Buy Side (Packaged Foods)

Industry: Retail Platform

Location: Bengaluru

Experience Range: 1- 3 years

Working Days: 6 days/week

Range CTC: Best in Industry

Other Details:

- Outstation candidates are allowed

- Maximum notice period allowed is 30 days

CANDIDATE PROFILE & REQUIREMENTS:

Industry Experience:

- Must have at least 6 months of relevant experience in Category Management, Vendor Management, or Procurement specifically in the Packaged Foods & Beverages sector.

- Prior work in Retail, e-commerce, or FMCG companies is required.

Exclusion: Candidates from Udaan will not be considered.

Core Functional Skills:

- Category/Vendor Management: Proven proficiency in managing vendor relationships and negotiating local rates.

- Inventory Monitoring: Experience in tracking stock levels, analyzing slow-moving stock, and handling Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ).

- Purchase & Delivery Coordination: Skillful in mapping/unmapping products, raising purchase orders (POs) with the desired vendors, and monitoring negative margins at the product level.

- Data Analysis: Advanced Excel skills along with strong analytical abilities to support reporting and performance benchmarking.

Additional Attributes:

- The ideal candidate should be a first principles problem-solver with an experimental mindset.

- Must be able to communicate effectively, collaborate across teams, and influence stakeholders without relying on positional authority.

- Should be comfortable in a fast-paced, high-growth environment and willing to roll up their sleeves to understand on-ground challenges.

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Vendor Management & Negotiation:

- Develop and maintain vendor relationships.

- Negotiate rates to meet target cost-per-unit metrics and ensure timely product delivery.

Inventory Management:

- Monitor stock levels closely.

- Generate daily reports on low inventory and ensure adherence to MOQ guidelines.

Purchase Order Coordination:

- Map/unmap products and raise purchase orders with designated vendors.

- Track and manage cases of negative margins at the product level.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

- Regularly interact with Business Operations and Growth teams to align on stock, sales plans, and upcoming product -launches.

Payment & Delivery Follow-Up:

- Work with the Finance team to ensure timely vendor payments.

- Coordinate smooth delivery and offloading processes at Distribution Centers.

Vendor Sourcing & Alternate Vendor Onboarding:

- Identify and engage alternate vendors to ensure continuous product availability and address any supply disruptions.

Stock Management and Reporting:

- Oversee the put-away status of inventory, manage slow-moving stock, and support sales strategies for clearing excess inventory.

- Provide regular performance updates and benchmark data on product performance, sales plans, and product launches.

NEXT STEPS & ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS:

- Given the depth and specificity of the posting, here are some avenues you might explore further:

Candidate Selection:

- Develop targeted interview questions to assess proficiency in inventory management and vendor negotiations. Example: "Tell me about a time when you had to manage negative margins at the product level- what was your approach and outcome?"

- Consider setting up a practical Excel test to gauge analytical skills relevant to forecasting and inventory tracking.

Market Positioned Insight:

- The role is pivotal in a company that's reengineering a fragmented market. It may be insightful to explore what unique challenges candidates have navigated in similar evolving environments, highlighting adaptability and strategic thinking.

Brand Messaging for Potential Candidates:

- Emphasize the real-life impact of the role- not just managing procurement but actively transforming the retail ecosystem for India's countless kirana stores.

- Highlight opportunities for personal growth by working with a team of alumni from prestigious institutions and industry stalwarts, which could appeal to a passionate, early-to-mid career professional.