Head of Procurement – Dairy Business

Role Summary

The Head of Procurement will lead the companys milk procurement operations, shaping and executing strategies to build a sustainable, high-quality, and scalable farmer supply network. This leadership role serves as the critical link between the processing plant and the farming community, ensuring consistent procurement volumes, superior milk quality, and long-term farmer engagement. The incumbent will drive both strategic sourcing excellence and rural ecosystem development, contributing directly to the growth and resilience of the dairy business.

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables

Farmer Relationship Management & Network Expansion

• Develop and Strengthen Farmer Base:

  Design and execute strategic initiatives to significantly expand the number of active, loyal, and quality-conscious farmers supplying milk to the company.

• Relationship Building:

  Foster long-term, trust-based relationships with individual farmers, village-level groups.

• Community Engagement:

  Leverage a deep understanding of local socio-economic and rural community dynamics to build credibility, trust, and influence at the grassroots level.

• Farmer Retention:

  Implement programs that enhance farmer satisfaction, loyalty, and alignment with company objectives.

Procurement Strategy, Operations & Target Achievement

• Procurement Planning:

  Develop and oversee effective daily, monthly, and seasonal procurement plans aligned with business goals.

• Target Delivery:

  Ensure consistent achievement of milk procurement volume, quality, and cost targets through proactive planning and monitoring.

• Strategic Sourcing:

  Analyse market trends, pricing structures, and competitive landscapes to ensure cost-efficient, and sustainable sourcing.

• Operational Excellence:

  Build and manage systems for transparent and efficient milk collection, testing, and logistics management.

Farmer Support, Technical Guidance & Input Delivery

• Extension Services:

  Provide or facilitate expert technical support to farmers on dairy farming best practices, animal health, nutrition, and fodder management.

• Input & Service Delivery:

  Oversee timely supply of key inputs such as feed, veterinary services, and fodder through structured procurement programs.

• Quality Enhancement:

  Partner with the Quality Assurance team to drive continuous improvement in milk hygiene, handling, and quality standards at the farm/farmer level.

• Sustainability & Welfare:

  Promote environmentally sustainable practices and farmer welfare initiatives as part of the companys community development vision.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Experience:

  Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in milk procurement, agri-supply chain management, or rural development, preferably within the Dairy or Agri-Business sectors.

• Technical Knowledge:

  Sound understanding of animal husbandry, milk production systems, village-level procurement logistics, and the broader dairy value chain.

• Leadership:

  Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop large field teams, fostering accountability and performance excellence.

• Communication:

  Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and cross-cultural communication skills to engage effectively with farmers, internal teams, and external stakeholders.

• Education:

  Bachelors or masters degree in veterinary science, Agriculture, Dairy Technology, Rural Management, or related fields.

• Desirable Attributes:

• Strong rural orientation and empathy for farmer challenges.
• Strategic mindset with operational execution strength.
• Data-driven decision-making with practical field sensibility.

Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Procurement volume and quality achievement against targets.
• Farmer base growth and retention metrics.
• Cost efficiency and sourcing sustainability.
• Farmer satisfaction and engagement levels.
• Reduction in quality non-compliance.

Reporting Structure

Reports To: