National Brands Limited, a proud subsidiary of AVI Limited, has produced some of South Africa’s most recognised food brands including Willards, Bakers, Five Roses and House of Coffees. Behind these heritage brands sits a sophisticated procurement capability responsible for sourcing the agricultural commodities and critical raw materials that underpin our products. 

We are seeking a Commodity Procurement Manager with deep experience in agricultural commodity sourcing, market analysis and supplier negotiations to lead raw material procurement across key input categories.This role sits at the centre of our supply chain and requires someone comfortable operating in commodity markets where pricing volatility, supply risk and forward planning directly impact the business. 

The successful candidate will bring strong expertise in commodity price forecasting, hedging strategies and supplier management across agricultural value chains. 

Role Overview

This role is responsible for leading the strategic sourcing and procurement of key agricultural commodities and raw materials that underpin National Brands’ manufacturing operations. 

Working at the intersection of commodity markets, supplier networks and manufacturing demand, the role translates market intelligence, pricing trends and supply dynamics into procurement strategies that ensure cost competitiveness, supply continuity and risk mitigation. 

The successful candidate will bring strong experience in agricultural or food manufacturing raw material procurement, with the ability to operate confidently in environments where commodity price volatility and supply availability directly influence business performance. 

This role focuses specifically on the procurement of agricultural and food manufacturing raw materials rather than packaging or indirect procurement categories. 

Key Areas of Impact:

1. Commodity Strategy & Market Intelligence

• Develop and execute procurement strategies for key raw material and commodity categories.
• Monitor global and local commodity markets including SAFEX and CBOT.
• Analyse price trends, supply dynamics and market drivers to inform procurement decisions.
• Develop forward purchasing and commodity hedging strategies where appropriate. 

2. Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Lead supplier negotiations and manage strategic supplier relationships across agricultural value chains.
• Implement long-term supply agreements and sourcing strategies.
• Conduct supplier capacity assessments and supply risk analysis. 

3. Supply Risk & Planning
   • Forecast procurement requirements aligned to production planning.
   • Develop scenario planning models to mitigate commodity supply risks.
   • Ensure appropriate raw material coverage and inventory planning.

4. Commercial & Financial Management
   • Conduct Total Cost of Ownership analysis across commodity categories.
   • Develop and manage commodity cost forecasts and procurement budgets.
   • Identify procurement productivity opportunities aligned to NBL sourcing strategies. 

5. Stakeholder Collaboration
   • Partner closely with Manufacturing, Planning, Finance and R&D.
   • Provide commodity insights to support business decision-making.
   • Lead cross-functional projects related to sourcing and cost optimisation. 

What It Takes to Succeed:

Knowledge & Technical Expertise

• Commodity markets including SAFEX and CBOT
• Agricultural commodity value chains
• Commodity hedging and risk management
• SAP or equivalent ERP procurement systems
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling
• Supplier development and contract negotiation
• Food manufacturing compliance standards (AIB, BRC, FSSC 22000)

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Supply Chain, Procurement, Commerce, Agricultural Economics or Finance
• 8+ years’ experience in commodity procurement or sourcing
• Proven experience procuring agricultural or food manufacturing raw materials
• Exposure to commodity trading markets (SAFEX / CBOT)
• Experience managing supplier contracts within FMCG or food manufacturing environments 

Competencies

• Strong commercial and analytical capability
• Strategic thinking and market awareness
• High-level negotiation and influencing skills
• Ability to operate independently within complex markets
• Relationship management across internal and external stakeholders
• Emotional maturity and resilience in fast-moving commodity environments 

Why Choose NBL?

• Make an Impact: Influence daily lives through South Africa’s most iconic brands.
• Innovative Growth: Help drive continuous improvement in product development and marketing.
• Career Opportunities: Access diverse roles across world-class facilities in Isando, Rosslyn, Westmead, and Durban.
• Collaborative Culture: Thrive in a supportive, team-focused environment with AVI’s backing.

Take the Next Step with NBL

At National Brands Limited, procurement plays a vital role in protecting the quality and heritage of the brands South Africans trust. This role offers the opportunity to operate at the intersection of commodity markets, supply chain strategy and FMCG manufacturing, shaping how raw materials are sourced across one of the country’s most respected FMCG businesses.