Procurement Category Specialist

Baladna Dairy Farm Project – Adrar, Algeria

The Baladna Dairy Farm Project in Adrar, Algeria, is being implemented within the framework of a strategic partnership between Baladna Q.P.S.C. and the Government of Algeria.

The project is located in Timokten, approximately 100 kilometers from the city of Adrar and around 1,435 kilometers southwest of Algiers.

Its operations will be carried out across three distinct sites in southern Algeria, primarily within the province of Adrar. Covering a total area of about 117,000 hectares, the Baladna Algeria Project encompasses three major pillars:

• The production of cereals and fodder

• Cattle farming for the production of milk and meat

• A state-of-the-art milk powder processing facility

The project will be executed in several phases, ultimately reaching a production capacity of 198,000 tons of milk powder.

Job Purpose

The Procurement Category Specialist is responsible for developing and executing category sourcing strategies to ensure the availability of goods and services required by Baladna El Djazair. The role focuses on optimizing costs, improving supplier performance, managing procurement risks, and supporting operational requirements while ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Category Management

• Develop and implement procurement strategies for assigned categories.

• Analyze spending patterns and identify cost-saving opportunities.

• Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and pricing developments.

• Conduct category reviews and recommend sourcing improvements.

Strategic Sourcing

• Lead RFQ, RFP, and tendering activities.

• Evaluate supplier proposals and negotiate commercial terms.

• Support contract development, execution, and renewal processes.

• Ensure procurement activities achieve the best value in terms of cost, quality, and service.

Supplier Management

• Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers.

• Maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers.

• Conduct supplier performance evaluations and follow up on corrective actions.

• Resolve supplier-related issues concerning quality, delivery, and service levels.

Procurement Operations

• Process procurement requests in accordance with approved procedures.

• Ensure timely issuance of purchase orders and contract documentation.

• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to understand procurement requirements.

• Track order fulfillment and support issue resolution when required.

Cost Optimization & Compliance

• Support procurement cost reduction initiatives.

• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and delegated authority limits.

• Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation.

• Participate in audits and provide required procurement information.

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate closely with Operations, Finance, Engineering, Farm Operations, Maintenance, Logistics, and other departments.

• Provide procurement expertise and recommendations to internal customers.

• Support cross-functional projects requiring procurement involvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.

• Professional certifications such as CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent are an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, category management, or supply chain operations.

• Experience within FMCG, agriculture, dairy, manufacturing, or industrial sectors is preferred.

• Experience managing supplier negotiations and procurement contracts.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of procurement processes and category management principles.

• Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or equivalent).

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and procurement reporting.

• Knowledge of contract management and supplier performance management.

• Ability to analyze procurement spend and market intelligence data.

Competencies

• Strategic Thinking

• Negotiation Skills

• Supplier Relationship Management

• Cost Management

• Analytical Thinking

• Commercial Awareness

• Communication Skills

• Problem Solving

• Attention to Detail

• Team Collaboration

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Procurement savings achieved.

• Supplier delivery performance.

• Contract compliance rate.

• Purchase order cycle time.

• Supplier evaluation scores.

• Cost reduction initiatives implemented.

• Internal stakeholder satisfaction.

Languages

• Fluent English (mandatory).

• Arabic and/or French proficiency is preferred.

Working Conditions

• Office-based role with periodic travel to operational sites and supplier locations as required.

• May be required to participate in supplier meetings, audits, and commercial negotiations.

Baladna El Djazair is committed to sourcing products and services efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance, and sustainability.