Livestock Procurement Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving agricultural industry, the demand for livestock procurement specialists is on the rise.

As the industry progresses, the need for adept professionals who can efficiently manage, assess, and secure our livestock resources grows more critical.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a livestock procurement specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of livestock procurement,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable livestock procurement specialist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Livestock Procurement Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Livestock Procurement Specialists oversee and manage the purchasing of livestock for meat production companies or other organizations that deal with livestock products.

They make sure that the livestock purchased meet the required quality standards and are procured at the most cost-effective prices.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating and selecting livestock from suppliers based on factors such as health, breed, and weight
• Negotiating contracts and prices with suppliers
• Developing and maintaining relationships with suppliers and farmers
• Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards for livestock procurement
• Visiting farms and auction markets to inspect livestock and make purchases
• Monitoring and forecasting market trends to make informed purchasing decisions
• Coordinating with other departments such as production and sales to align procurement activities with broader business strategies
• Tracking and documenting transactions and maintaining detailed records of purchases
• Resolving any issues related to livestock quality, delivery, or payment
• Conducting risk assessments to minimize potential procurement problems

 

Livestock Procurement Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and detail-oriented Livestock Procurement Specialist to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the procurement of livestock, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and maintaining strong relationships with farmers and suppliers.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the livestock industry, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to analyze market trends.

Ultimately, the role of the Livestock Procurement Specialist is to ensure the supply of high-quality livestock to meet our company’s operational needs while adhering to ethical and sustainable procurement practices.

 

Responsibilities

• Manage the procurement of livestock from various suppliers and farmers.
• Oversee the transportation and delivery of procured livestock.
• Ensure compliance with animal health and safety regulations.
• Maintain strong relationships with farmers and suppliers.
• Analyze market trends to determine optimal procurement strategies.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers.
• Coordinate with internal departments to forecast and meet livestock supply needs.
• Implement sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Prepare and present procurement reports to management.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience in livestock procurement or similar role.
• Extensive knowledge of livestock industry including health and safety regulations.
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Proficiency in supply chain software and inventory management systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and make informed decisions.
• Degree in agriculture, business, or related field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Livestock Procurement Specialist
• Work Environment: Office and field setting with frequent travel to farms and suppliers.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Procurement Manager or Director of Procurement.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Livestock Procurement Specialist Do?

A Livestock Procurement Specialist typically works for companies involved in the meat and dairy industries, including slaughterhouses, meat processing plants, and dairy farms.

They may also work for livestock marketing companies or as independent consultants.

Their primary role is to oversee and manage the acquisition of livestock.

This involves coordinating with farmers, ranchers, and other livestock suppliers to purchase animals for meat, dairy, and other livestock-derived products.

A Livestock Procurement Specialist is responsible for negotiating purchase contracts, ensuring that the livestock meets industry quality standards, and arranging for the transportation of the animals to the processing facility.

They also have to keep up-to-date with market trends and prices, and be aware of any changes in livestock regulations or animal welfare laws.

This includes ensuring that the procurement process complies with all relevant legislation and ethical guidelines.

In addition, a Livestock Procurement Specialist may be involved in developing and implementing strategies for sourcing livestock, assessing potential new suppliers, and improving existing supplier relationships.

They may also be tasked with inspecting livestock before purchase to assess their health and quality.

 

Livestock Procurement Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Livestock Procurement Specialist should have a diverse range of skills and qualifications to effectively handle their responsibilities, such as:

• Comprehensive knowledge of livestock breeds, their characteristics, health, and behavior to make well-informed procurement decisions.
• Strong negotiation skills to establish the best price contracts with livestock sellers and vendors.
• Excellent communication skills to coordinate with farmers, vendors, and transport services, as well as to report to upper management.
• Sound decision-making abilities to select high-quality livestock that meets the company’s needs.
• A keen eye for detail and strong observational skills to evaluate the health and condition of livestock.
• Good understanding of animal welfare regulations and the ability to ensure that all livestock procurement activities comply with these standards.
• Analytical skills to monitor market trends and competitor activities, and adjust procurement strategies accordingly.
• Ability to work under pressure and make quick decisions during livestock auctions.
• Physical fitness to handle the rigors of working on farms and with livestock, including the ability to operate necessary machinery and equipment.

 

Livestock Procurement Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the Livestock Procurement Specialist role may have 1 to 2 years of experience, typically gained through internships or part-time roles in animal husbandry, agriculture, or related fields.

These professionals could also gain relevant experience in roles such as Livestock Handler, Farmhand, or in other agriculture-related positions.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their skills and knowledge in entry-level roles related to livestock procurement or management.

They may have developed a solid understanding of livestock market trends, prices, and have established relationships with farmers and livestock sellers.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are likely to have significant knowledge and expertise in negotiating and securing contracts, managing supplier relationships, evaluating livestock health and quality, and understanding regulatory standards in the livestock industry.

They may also have some leadership experience in their background and could be ready for a managerial or team-lead position.

Furthermore, some roles may require the Livestock Procurement Specialist to have a valid driver’s license due to the need to travel to various farms and ranches.

Relevant certifications or a degree in agriculture, animal science, or related field may also be required.

 

Livestock Procurement Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Livestock Procurement Specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, animal science, business, or a related field.

This role requires a deep understanding of animal health and welfare, as well as knowledge of the livestock market and industry standards.

Thus, their educational programs often incorporate courses in these areas.

Some positions might prefer candidates with post-graduate degrees in agribusiness, animal science, or related fields.

A Master’s degree or higher can indicate a specialist’s potential for strategic planning and decision-making in the livestock market.

Work experience in livestock management or a related field is often crucial for this role.

Additionally, Livestock Procurement Specialists may enhance their credentials by obtaining certifications from recognized agricultural or animal husbandry institutions.

Continuing education and staying updated with the latest trends and developments in the livestock industry is essential for a successful career in this field.

This could involve attending industry conferences, workshops, and training sessions.

 

Livestock Procurement Specialist Salary Expectations

A Livestock Procurement Specialist earns an average salary of $61,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary depending on the individual’s level of experience, skills, the size of the company employing them, and the geographical location.

 

Livestock Procurement Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Livestock Procurement Specialist need?

A Livestock Procurement Specialist should have excellent communication and negotiation skills to interact with livestock suppliers.

They should also possess strong analytical skills to evaluate the quality of livestock.

Knowledge of animal health and welfare, alongside a good understanding of market trends, can also be beneficial.

Finally, good organization and record-keeping skills are necessary for managing procurement schedules and maintaining accurate livestock inventories.

 

Do Livestock Procurement Specialists need a degree?

Typically, Livestock Procurement Specialists are required to have a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, Business, or a related field.

However, extensive experience in livestock management, procurement, or a related field may be considered in lieu of formal education.

A deep knowledge and understanding of livestock, as well as industry regulations, are crucial.

 

What should you look for in a Livestock Procurement Specialist resume?

When reviewing a Livestock Procurement Specialist’s resume, look for experience in procurement and livestock management.

They should have a demonstrated ability to negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships.

Knowledge of livestock health and welfare, understanding of industry regulations and market conditions, and experience in data analysis are also desirable.

 

What qualities make a good Livestock Procurement Specialist?

A good Livestock Procurement Specialist should be detail-oriented and have a keen eye for assessing the quality of livestock.

They need to be decisive, able to make informed decisions quickly based on their evaluations.

Good negotiation and communication skills are important, as they often deal with suppliers and other stakeholders.

They should also be adaptable, able to adjust their strategies based on market trends and changes in livestock availability.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Livestock Procurement Specialist?

Hiring a Livestock Procurement Specialist can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

The ideal candidate not only needs a solid understanding of procurement procedures but also a deep knowledge of livestock, including their health, welfare, and market conditions.

This combination of skills and knowledge might be difficult to find, hence the need for a thorough and targeted recruitment process.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the essential role of a livestock procurement specialist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about purchasing animals.

It’s about shaping the future of the agricultural industry, one procurement at a time.

With our resourceful livestock procurement specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for creating precision-crafted listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every procurement is a step towards a sustainable and productive farming future.

Let’s cultivate that future. Together.

How to Become a Livestock Procurement Specialist (Complete Guide)

Blissful Bizz: The Most Satisfying Careers to Dream About

Underpaid and Overlooked: A Deep Dive into the Least Paying Jobs

Career Satisfaction: Fun Jobs That Will Also Make You Rich

Workplace Winners: The Most Popular Jobs in the Current Climate