Pro-Star Milk Procurement is offering an exciting learnership opportunity in Queensburgh, KwaZulu-Natal, for a graduate with a BSc in Animal Science. This learnership, available under the reference number CLO250319-1, provides an opportunity for individuals to gain hands-on experience in the dairy industry, with a focus on the procurement of raw milk, quality assurance, supply chain coordination, and stakeholder management.
The position offers an invaluable learning experience for those passionate about the agriculture and dairy sectors. As part of the Pro-Star Milk Procurement team, the successful candidate will be involved in several key areas of milk procurement, including logistics, contract management, financial processes, and more.
Key Responsibilities
The Pro-Star Milk Procurement role will see the candidate responsible for a variety of important tasks, ranging from quality assurance of raw milk to managing procurement contracts and developing relationships with suppliers.
- Milk Procurement & Quality Assurance
The candidate will gain an in-depth understanding of the entire milk procurement process. This involves ensuring compliance with legal and dairy industry standards. The candidate will also play a crucial role in the quality assurance of raw milk, ensuring that only the highest quality products are procured for the business. - Administration & Financial Management
As part of the learnership, the candidate will assist with the generation of tax invoices and the management of budget forecasting for milk procurement. Accuracy and timely payments are a key responsibility to ensure the smooth operation of procurement processes. - Contract & Supplier Management
Another critical aspect of the role involves managing contracts and procurement conditions for raw milk supply. The candidate will be tasked with securing agreements with suppliers and ensuring that these contracts are maintained throughout the period of supply. This is a great opportunity to learn about contract negotiations and supplier relationship management. - Stakeholder Relations
Engaging with both internal and external milk producers is another major responsibility. The successful candidate will be expected to acquire and onboard new farmers, expanding the company’s milk supply base. Effective communication and relationship-building skills will be essential in this area. - Logistics & Supply Chain Coordination
The learnership will also provide hands-on experience in milk reception operations. The candidate will learn how to coordinate logistics processes, including milk collection and routing, as well as route analysis to optimize the supply chain. This is an excellent opportunity to understand how supply chain operations work in the dairy industry and how to ensure the efficient movement of goods. - Systems & Process Optimization
The candidate will gain experience in working with procurement systems, learning how to optimize processes and streamline operations. This will involve assessing existing procedures and suggesting improvements to increase efficiency and reduce costs. - Supply Planning
Supply planning strategies will be a key focus, with the candidate aligning procurement with supply chain operations. Understanding the importance of forecasting demand and ensuring supply meets market needs will be a key aspect of this responsibility.
Qualifications and Requirements
To be considered for this learnership, candidates must have a BSc degree in Animal Science. The position also requires a valid driver’s license, as travel to different locations may be necessary for the role.
The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, with a creative approach to problem-solving. A team player who can work well in a collaborative environment will thrive in this position. Additionally, candidates should be willing to challenge existing norms and contribute innovative ideas to the procurement process.
Competencies
Candidates applying for this position should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Initiative: The ability to take initiative and proactively address challenges.
- Creativity: A creative mindset that encourages innovation and problem-solving.
- Teamwork: A collaborative spirit, able to work effectively in a team setting.
- Challenging Norms: The ability to think outside the box and suggest improvements to existing processes.
This position offers a valuable entry point into the agriculture sector, particularly in the dairy industry. It allows candidates to develop a well-rounded skill set, making them highly attractive to potential employers in agriculture, logistics, and supply chain management fields.
This exciting opportunity is based in Queensburgh, KwaZulu-Natal, at the Clover Branch. Interested candidates are required to submit their applications by April 1, 2025. The successful candidate will undergo a learnership designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the dairy procurement industry.
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