Sourcing Practitioner

Umhlanga Support Office

Purpose of the Role:

• To support the Sourcing Manager to strategically source, negotiate, manage and evaluate Group supplier
  contracts ensuring that Business needs are met and the best value is negotiated for and received by the Group.

• To facilitate increased contract coverage and spend across the Group through  constant engagement with the site management and supply chain practitioners and analysis of spend behaviours.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Support

  • Partner with Operations management to determine requirements and apply professional sourcing methodologies such as vendor rationalisation, utilising technology and flexible solutions to ensure realisation of the sourcing strategy.

  • Collaborate with supply chain practitioners and Operations management to ensure Group strategies and policies are applied in each country of operation, to assess opportunities, and to drive performance improvements.

  • Proactively drive regular engagement with the Business regarding its immediate and longer-term procurement requirements and the extent to which these are being met

• Sourcing

  • Forecast likely levels of demand for products and/or component parts using information and data from the procurement team.

  • Determine preliminary specifications, existing and potential suppliers, timing of the product requirements and measure which determine success vs. failure for the internal business client.

  • Coordinate appropriate methods needed to distribute products in a cost effective manner in conjunction with Logistics.

  • Regularly assess whether products are delivered on schedule, at the negotiated price, and meet the quality standards of the Business.

  • Actively monitor the suppliers being used to ensure orders are placed with preferred suppliers and under negotiated contracts.

  • Where common items are purchased across the Group or a supplier is used frequently, assist the Sourcing Manager in the negotiation of a supply agreement to obtain best price and value for the Group.

  • Source new items and suppliers based on the specifications provided by the Business by researching the supplier market place in each country, and obtaining samples for testing by requesting Functions.

  • Analyse information within the procurement and finance systems to identify opportunities to source alternative suppliers.

  • Produce reports and present information to relevant Functions to highlight potential sourcing or saving opportunities and update the Sourcing Manager on actions where applicable.

  • Assist the Sourcing Manager in negotiations with the incumbent suppliers to maintain competitive prices, benchmarking costs against other suppliers where necessary.

  • Ensure system data is maintained and manage the effective generation and communication of procurement metrics.

• Supplier Tender Support

  • Solicit and evaluate proposals for contracts.

  • Prepare tenders and compile tender analysis schedules.

  • Coordinate invitations for tender and tender submissions on contracts.

  • Assist the Sourcing Manager to implement and manage contracts by maintaining relevant information with regard to pricing within the market, and spend against the current contract.

  • Administer long-term contracts, which may or may not involve subcontracts with special provisions that may be changed and renegotiated throughout the duration of the contract.

• Market Analysis and Forecasting

  • Evaluate market conditions in order to develop sourcing strategies, maintain/improve quality and influence cost controls.

  • Research potential and current suppliers to keep abreast of market/procurement conditions, new technology and makes recommendations to improve the supplier base and/or purchasing method.

  • Forecast price trends and their impact on future activities.

  • Conduct presentations about market analysis and possible growth.

• Vendor Management

  • Explain and administer Group policies and procedures pertaining to sourcing.

  • Evaluate and ensure potential suppliers are capable of meeting the specified requirements.

  • Negotiate the lowest possible cost for the products balanced against the optimum quality and schedule needs.

• SHEQ and Sustainability Management

  • Administer all documentation relevant to supplier quality assurance and conformance.

  • Update and maintain the approved supplier list for the Group.

  • Support internal and external audit processes and provide any necessary documentation

Qualification and Experience:

• Degree in commerce, supply chain management or a related field

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience within a sourcing or purchasing and commercial
  management environment

• Demonstrated success in developing and fostering relationships with suppliers while
  driving lower costs, superior performance and continuous improvement

• Valid Code EB drivers' licence

• Willing to travel.

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