Deputy Head of Sourcing

About the Role

The Deputy Head of Sourcing has a strategic position in the company maintaining a strategic and robust plan to ensure that both value and risks are managed correctly. He/she is responsible for mitigating the risks within the market whilst running an effective and efficient sourcing campaign. She/He will manage the implementation of our sourcing initiatives and oversee operations, people, budgets, and stakeholder engagements. The Deputy Head of Sourcing is responsible for ensuring full compliance to all applicable regulatory, clients and internal requirements.

The potential candidate is someone with good knowledge in commodities sourcing and trading, who can understand the cocoa markets, the cocoa supply chain and how the business works.  She/He should be well informed on current trends on sustainability and regulatory affairs. This role is based in Kumasi, Nyonkopa Cocoa Buying Ltd, reporting directly to the Head of Operations.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy implementation

• Establish and execute a clear strategy for sustainably sourcing Ghana cocoa beans to meet the full needs of the local factory (BC Ghana) as well as for Export. Ensuring volume targets are met within the stipulated deadlines.
• Identify, evaluate and onboard cocoa suppliers (farmers) in key cocoa Regions into our database.
• Engage and collaborate with stakeholders and other functions to support the sustainable Sourcing strategy.
• Work closely with the sustainability teams to ensure the attainment of client’s volumes and the certified cocoa volume targets. 
• Develop and administer sourcing policies, controls and procedures in accordance with stated business objectives and requirements
• Meet all key financial targets linked to the sourcing activity – cycle time, receivables, and field losses reduction.
• Proactively manage suppliers’ base ensuring supply with no adverse impact on the business. Analyze, identify and understand supply chain risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate the risks
• Manage ongoing relationship with suppliers/ farmers, performance monitoring, problem resolution and issue management or escalation on timely manner.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of market conditions, trends, competition, sources of supply and supplier capabilities for cocoa beans supply.
• Keep abreast with the changing and dynamic regulatory environment – stay updated with all applicable laws, government regulations and industry guidance.
• Identify opportunities for business improvement and makes constructive suggestions for change.
• Report to management on sourcing performance, risks and financial metrics.

People Management

• Provide leadership and direction to the Sourcing Teams ensuring their engagement, training, development and growth within the business.
• Takes a lead role in building a foolproof and strong sourcing management culture; spends time coaching Team members and identifying skills gap/ development areas.
• Conduct all business dealings with the highest level of integrity and regard for legal and compliance issues
• Ensure compliance to the Company’s code of conduct for Employees and suppliers.
• Ensure compliance to health and safety rules to avoid workplace accidents.
• Maintain a strong positive connection with field teams including Purchasing clerks and cocoa farmers to understand and identify business critical issues to ensure the alignment of tactics and strategies.
•  Carry out any other task, mission or project within the department or outside it according to the needs of the hierarchy or Management.

Monitoring, evaluation, reporting and knowledge sharing

• Traceability: establish efficient and robust systems to track program outcomes and share results with internal and external partners
• Data management: Ensure the accuracy of data and regular reporting to stakeholders
• Learning & knowledge sharing: contribute to a learning culture by actively sharing insights across Barry Callebaut’s regional and global teams

Stakeholders’ management

• Directly interface with clients during field visits, communicating and showcasing our field activities and impact to enhance engagement.
• Represents the Company during stakeholder meetings and workshops with our Partners, Clients, Authorities, civil society, institutions, industry associations etc. to stay ahead of trends and regulations.

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field - Supply Chain, Marketing / Trade / Management with a minimum of 7 years’ experience in commercial role

• Good knowledge of the evolution of the cocoa market, financial management and well informed on current trends on sustainability and regulatory affairs.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of risk management techniques
• Good collaboration and interaction with local communities, farmers and suppliers
• Have strong leadership abilities, with a high sense of responsibility
• Good business acumen with strong analytical and negotiation skills
• Proficiency in MS Office applications – Word, Power Point and Excel
• Excellent communication skills – verbal, written to include report writing and group presentations
• Excellent organization skills, able to prioritize, influence motivate others to achieve to results
• Willing to travel 20-40% with the local territory.