JOB DETAILS:

JOB DESCRIPTION – PURCHASING COORDINATOR

Job Title: Purchasing Officer - Coffee

Department: Supply Chain

Reports To: General Manager

Job Type: Full Time

Location: Western Uganda (Rukungiri, Kasese, and Ibanda)

About Us

LITARM Consults is a fast-growing, innovative start-up offering integrated solutions in Recruitment, Manpower Management Services, Strategic Business Consulting, Business Process Automation (BPA), Training & Capacity Building, and Managed Project Services (MPS). Our client-focused approach and adoption of smart technologies ensure efficiency, reliability, and value creation. As we continue to expand, we are seeking passionate and driven professionals to grow with us and make a tangible impact.

Job Purpose

The Purchasing Officer will be responsible for sourcing high-quality coffee from farmers, cooperatives, and aggregators across Western Uganda, specifically in Rukungiri, Kasese, and Ibanda. The role focuses on supplier relationship management, quality assurance, price negotiation, supply continuity, and ensuring timely delivery aligned with company production and export requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Coffee Sourcing & Procurement

• Identify, onboard, and manage coffee farmers, cooperatives, and aggregators in assigned districts.
• Negotiate competitive prices while ensuring quality standards are met.
• Secure consistent supply volumes to meet company procurement targets.
• Monitor seasonal trends and forecast supply availability.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and ethical sourcing standards.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with farmer groups and local buying agents.
• Conduct regular field visits to sourcing areas.
• Train suppliers on quality requirements, post-harvest handling, and grading standards.
• Resolve disputes related to pricing, quality, or delivery schedules.

Quality Control & Compliance

• Coordinate quality inspections at collection points.
• Ensure moisture content, grading, and sorting meet company standards.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams for sampling and testing.
• Ensure traceability and proper documentation of sourced coffee.

Logistics & Coordination

• Coordinate transportation of coffee from sourcing areas to processing facilities.
• Monitor stock levels at buying centers and warehouses.
• Ensure timely delivery aligned with processing schedules.
• Liaise with finance for payment processing and supplier reconciliation.

Reporting & Market Intelligence

• Submit weekly procurement reports indicating volumes sourced, prices, and quality metrics.
• Track competitor buying prices and market trends in assigned districts.
• Provide insights on crop forecasts and production outlook.
• Maintain accurate supplier database and procurement records.

Qualifications and Skills Required

• Bachelors Degree in Procurement & Supply Chain Management, Agribusiness, Agriculture, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years experience in agricultural procurement, preferably coffee sourcing.
• Strong understanding of coffee grading, quality standards, and post-harvest handling.
• Experience working with farmer groups, cooperatives, and rural supply chains.
• Familiarity with coffee market pricing trends in Western Uganda is an added advantage.
• Valid riding permit or driving license is highly preferred.