Buyer: Indirects

Pernod Ricard; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Pernod Ricard is seeking a procurement professional to support category sourcing across Africa Middle East and regional affiliates. You will collate analytics, analyze spend, and help execute procurement strategies while managing supplier relationships and ERP-enabled processes.

The role focuses on enabling value through effective supplier selection, contract administration and data-driven decision making within an FMCG environment.

Qualifications

• Category strategy interpretation and implementation (2)
• Data analysis (3)
• Risk management (2)
• Procurement (3)
• Physical asset management (1)
• Material and services knowledge (2)
• Financial acumen (2)
• Report writing (2)
• FMCG industry experience is a plus

Responsibilities

• Collate all necessary category analytics.
• Analyze spend and user-specific requirements within the work.
• Support and execute procurement strategies developed by Category Leads.
• Escalate supplier performance issues as needed.
• Support collaborative optimization activities.
• Handle second-level escalations with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with suppliers to implement Category Leads outputs/li>
• Ensure suppliers are enabled through ERP and contract terms are operationalized.
• Purchase business products and services aligning with strategies and ROI.
• Maintain contracts and supplier databases.
• Classify category components and manage supplier RFQ processes.
• Maintain relationships with stakeholders and suppliers.
• Execute the annual sourcing calendar developed by Category Leads.
• Maintain master data and monthly database reviews.

Skills

Category strategy

Data analysis

Risk management

Procurement

Physical asset management

Material and services knowledge

Financial acumen

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Purpose

Assists with the Procurement of all third-party requirements, within a specific or general category. Maintains strong working relationships with suppliers to enable the purchasing of products or services in line with time, cost and quality requirements. The role will support individual or multiple affiliates across Africa Middle East, including but not limited to:

• Will also execute local or regional sourcing directives, where local third-party service providers are required.
• Will provide regional support for initiatives managed by Category Managers or Procurement Director across all markets within this scope where required.
• Partner with key stakeholders across the business to support overall local and regional business objectives
• Provide procurement support for procurement projects and general purchases.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Collate all necessary category analytics
• Analyze spend and user specific requirements within the work being executed
• Support and execute procurement strategies developed by Category Leads
• Escalate where necessary supplier performance issues
• Support collaborative optimization activities where applicable
• Handle second level escalations with suppliers/internal stakeholders to resolve performance issues
• Collaborate with supplier and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of Category Leads sourcing outputs / agreements
• Ensure suppliers are correctly enabled through ERP (databases)
• Ensure contractual terms & conditions are effectively “operationalized”, identify and track benefits, while executing negotiations
• Purchasing of business products and associated services, maximizing value for money and return on investment, aligning with business and procurement strategies
• Maintain database of contracts and approved suppliers
• Classification of all components within the category
• Supplier identification, selection and Relationship Management for Request for Quotations
• Support meeting and communication routines with suppliers
• Support meeting and communication routines with internal stakeholders
• Execution of approved annual sourcing calendar developed by Category Leads

Reporting

• Updating of monthly category reports (savings and payment summary)
• Provide feedback for monthly variances vs planned budgets
• Maintain and report on Purchase Orders created within category

Negotiation with Suppliers

• Suppliers briefed in accordance with Technical Specifications and requirements from business
• Support commercial negotiations with suppliers to ensure best fit for purpose items are contracted in line with approved scope and specifications
• Record all negotiations in reporting trackers

Evaluate, categorize, and select preferred suppliers (RFQ based)

• Support supplier vetting annually, and as new suppliers are added to databases
• Compile a preferred supplier database per Category per region
• Supplier and contract relationship management, record keeping of all third-party engagements (meetings)

Database maintenance

• All data relating to the category accurately documented and updated
• Master data planned in advance (prior to transacting with suppliers)
• Database (supplier, contracts) maintained and reviewed monthly
• Database updates and risks need to be communicated to Category Lead
• All supporting documentation created and maintained

Build and maintain effective relationships with all stakeholders

Liaise with third party suppliers

• Effective relationship management with various suppliers
• Suppliers understand minimum quality standards and standardized specifications required
• Suppliers understand Pernod Ricard expectations
• Communication of procurement policies and source to pay training of external suppliers

Communication and interaction with all stakeholders

• Professional communication, behavior and actions result in credibility, trust and respect with all work partners.

Key Competencies and Experience

Functional and Technical Competencies

• Category strategy interpretation and implementation (2), data analysis (3), Risk Management (2), Procurement (3), Physical Asset Management (1) Material and Services Knowledge (2), Financial Acumen(2), Report Writing (2).

Behavioral Competencies

• Creativity & Innovation (3), Business Acumen (3), Customer Service & Quality Orientation (3), Project & Change Management (2), Relationship Building & Communication (3) Effective communication (3).

Leadership Competencies

• Entrepreneurship (3), Results Orientation (3), Live the Values (4), Provide guidance to team (3).

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant 3-year B Degree tertiary qualification (or similar)
• At least 2 years’ experience in a procurement environment with a proven history of managing suppliers.
• Procurement and tender experience is essential.
• Minimum beginners excel skills.
• A proven track record of influencing key internal and external stakeholders

*Experience in the FMCG industry will be an advantage.

Job Posting End Date:

Target Hire Date** :**

2026-12-01

Target End Date