Core purpose of the role

The core purpose of the role is to formulate and execute sourcing strategies for commodities within the allocated Category following the defined Strategic Sourcing process to extract value from the spend using Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach across the supply value chain. The incumbent is responsible for conducting value opportunities assessment on the assigned category, formulate appropriate sourcing strategy, execute relevant sourcing event (e.g RFP), conduct fact-based negotiation, development and conclusion of agreement, manage supplier performance and tracking savings and spend compliance monitoring, and ensuring a consistent approach toward all sourcing, purchasing and tendering activities are within the procurement governance framework of the business. The incumbent is also responsible for ensuring that value for money is maximised and cost-savings are generated within the allocated Category. The incumbent is also responsible for building strong relationships with suppliers and service providers, facilitate collaborative negotiations approach to secure the best deals based on quality, delivery and price, and for tracking ’ reporting on performance against contractual agreements and business targets in area of responsibility. The incumbent is responsible to capture and challenge business needs and requirements to ensure lean demand and enabling innovative solutions from the supply market through continuous market analysis and minimise supply related risk in the business.

Key deliverables and outputs
Category Sourcing Execution

Formulate and execute sourcing strategies for commodities within the allocated Category following the defined Strategic Sourcing process to extract value from the spend using Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach across the supply value chain
Execute Category sourcing strategy and implement the relevant policies and procedures for cost effective and efficient strategic sourcing and supplier management.
Support the transformation agenda by identifying and improving the Category supplier database and by incorporating and implementing ESD strategy as per the agreed strategy.
Execute sourcing events e.g. RFX as required per defined and approved category sourcing strategy.
Identify Category opportunities to leverage economies of scale and develop proposals and recommendations for consideration and approval by the appropriate leads in the business.
Contribute to business initiatives that are designed to improve supply chain efficiency, maintain product quality standards, and reduce costs. Track market price and demand indices that influence the sourcing of the commodity in the market.
Evaluate and understand market conditions in order to contribute to competitive sourcing strategies and control costs.

Conduct internal ’ external Category profiling.

Develop commodity should-cost model where required as part of the sourcing strategy to extract value from the supply market.
Develop commodity sourcing project charter for each sourcing event.
Establish cross-functional team from business stakeholders for each commodity for providing broad-based approach in executing business requirement to ensure inclusive total solution,

Category Financial Targets

Achieve the agreed financial targets for the strategic sourcing category.
Drive the realisation of savings, supply efficiency, quality, and process improvements in area of responsibility.
Identify saving opportunities and initiate individual projects and initiatives at operational levels in allocated category
Contribute to the budgeting process by providing goods and service pricing and unit rates.

Category Contract Management

Manage Category contracts to ensure the business meets its contractual obligations and derives the desired value.

Implement Contract compliance monitoring

Identify and manage risks that may arise through the operation of the contract and implement agreed financial and operational controls.
Support fact-based negotiation by providing information on quality, delivery, and price and compile regular reports demonstrating cost savings.Monitor volume thresholds/economies of scale.
Drive Continuous improvement through on-going engagements with exiting suppliers as well as potential new suppliers.

Category Supplier Management

Manage Category supplier relationships to capture relevant innovation and mitigate supply risks.
Monitor Category supplier performance to ensure delivery on SLAs and compliance requirements.
Ensure that the B-BBBEE credentials of suppliers are current.
Build and maintain strong supportive and mutually beneficial relationships with operational and functional management and their suppliers in the allocated Category.
Analyse and report on supplier trends to ensure relevance and market intelligence to the business.

Reporting, Risk, Ethics and Compliance

Implement and track performance indicators, benefits and cost reduction for the Category.
Monitor compliance to the legal, regulatory and policy requirements in allocated Category.
Identify and remove potential barriers to the successful implementation of category strategies.
Contribute to the risk register and manage the Category strategic sourcing and supplier management risks.
Produce, implement and maintain internal Category sourcing / supplier management documentation.
Category Team performance and continuous improvement
Ensure that the Category team has the requisite skills and experience.
Manage the team in line with the business Integrated Employee Value Model and drive a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and collaboration with other parts of the business.
Develop commitment and a culture of ethical behavior and practices.

Internal customers

Exco members in area of responsibility; business units and functional areas in Category

External stakeholders

Category Suppliers/Service Providers, Industry Organisations and Regulatory Bodies, Customers

Qualification, Experience and Competencies
Academic qualifications
Essential:

Relevant Degree/ BTech such as BCom Commerce / Law / Engineering / Supply Chain Management/Transport ’ Logistics/ IT and other relevant degrees

Advantageous:

Postgraduate MBA or equivalent related business management qualification
Chartered Institute for Procurement and Supply (CIPS) membership and/or accreditation (MCIPS preferably)

Note:

Valid Driver’s license, Valid Passport
Refer CIPS Global Standard – Management Level

Work experience
Essential:

6 to 10 years in strategic sourcing / Procurement / inventory management in the category or a commercial vehicle / logistics / transport / supply chain environment
Proven track record of strategic supplier relations management
Established networks within the relevant category
Engaging at senior management level

Advantageous:

Proven track record of working within cross-functional teams, while successfully delivering on benefits and capability building agenda

Knowledge
Essential:

Deep knowledge of strategic sourcing networks within the allocated Industry and Category
Well versed in B-BBEE codes, supplier management requirements and tender processes
Knowledge of strategic sourcing and supply chain management best practices and risks in allocated category such as counterfeiting, bribery and corruption, disruptive technologies, cyber attack
Sound understanding of business and transport related legal and regulatory aspects governing the Category i.e National Road Traffic Act, OHAS, Sustainability and Environmental Affairs Act, B-BBEE Act
Basic financial and commercial acumen
Basic understanding of techniques for stakeholder mapping, value stream analysis, cost modelling, network optimisation modelling

Skills
Essential:

Excellent written and oral communication skills to influence, persuade and convince at all levels in the allocated category

Strong negotiation skills

Highly developed interpersonal skills to collaborate, network and build relationships across multiple functions, regions and cultures
Well-developed EQ skills and sensitivity to diversity to deal with conflict
Ability to interpret numerical information and do cost/price and Total Cost of Ownership Analyses
Analytical thinking skills to analyse and diagnose requirements, assess potential and risks associated with supplier and market changes, interpret data, and solve problem through sound judgments
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities and drive tasks to completion in a fixed timeframe through effective time management, planning and organisation skills;
Computer, technology and systems skills i.e. ERP inventory / stock management software

Personal Attributes
Essential:

A preference for translating strategy into action
Commitment to behaving ethically and in line with organisational values
Passion for optimising business performance
Commitment to maintaining business awareness
Focus on communicating clearly and convincingly
Focus on getting things done
Orientation towards growing and nurturing relationships

Advantageous:

Focus on analyzing and solving problems
Customer centricity and focus
Concern for working within parameters
Concern for aligning with best practice
Resilience under stress and pressure
Appreciation for challenging others with respect
Preference for teamwork