At Philip Morris International, we’ve chosen to do something incredible. We’re transforming our business and building our future on smoke-free products with the power to deliver a smoke-free future. With this transformation comes real opportunity. Wherever you join us, you’ll have the freedom to create better, more innovative solutions and grow your career in new and meaningful directions.
You’ll have the chance to make a tangible impact. As we shift from cigarettes to smoke-free products, we are rethinking how we source raw materials, how we manufacture, and how we manage our supply chain.
Bring your curiosity and challenge the status quo - and we’ll give you responsibility and space to make a difference.
We are looking for a Manager: Leaf Buying to join our Global Leaf Group, based in Cape Town, South Africa. In this role, you will lead and coordinate leaf buying, regrading, and blending activities, ensuring that all tobacco sourcing meets the highest standards of quality, cost, integrity, and consistency.
You will play a key role in translating regional strategy into execution, working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers across multiple markets.
Your Day to Day
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Lead and manage leaf buying, regrading, and blending activities
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Ensure tobacco supply meets required quality, cost, and compliance standards
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Define and implement sourcing strategies in alignment with regional and global direction
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Manage supplier relationships across key sourcing markets
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Oversee grading, packing, and blending processes, including alignment to RRP (Reduced Risk Products) requirements
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Ensure compliance with chemical and quality standards, including TSNA and other intrinsic targets
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Support and manage budgeting, forecasting, and cost control processes
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Lead and develop a team of leaf specialists (buyers, graders, blenders)
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Collaborate across supply chain, procurement, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless execution
Who We’re Looking For
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Degree in Engineering, Business, Economics, Agronomy, or related field
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Minimum 5 years’ experience in a tobacco leaf environment
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Proven experience in leaf buying, regrading, and blending across multiple tobacco types
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Strong knowledge of grading processes, chemical targets, and quality standards
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Experience working with suppliers and/or vertically integrated farming environments
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Solid understanding of leaf costing, budgeting, and financial processes
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Experience managing and developing technical teams
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Strong analytical and negotiation skills
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Willingness to travel extensively across regional markets
Additional Considerations
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Candidates should have the legal right to work in South Africa at the time of application
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Experience within African sourcing markets (e.g. Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Tanzania) will be highly advantageous
What We Offer
Our success depends on the people who bring energy, ownership, and a drive for progress every day.
At PMI, you will:
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Have the freedom to shape your career and contribute meaningfully
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Work in an inclusive and diverse environment where your voice matters
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Collaborate with high-performing global teams
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Access development opportunities across a global organisation
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Be part of a purposeful business committed to a smoke-free future
PMI welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, regardless of age, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, religion or belief, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.
We encourage applications from South African citizens who are members of designated groups and have equivalent experience in PMI or a related field. Employment Equity laws and principles will be considered during the candidate selection process to promote diversity and the exchange of ideas.
