Procurement Analyst - Cost Optimization

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein seeks a data-driven Procurement Analyst to join the finance and operations support team. You will collect and analyze procurement data to uncover trends, cost-saving opportunities, and process improvements, collaborating with the procurement team and other departments to shape sourcing strategies.

The role requires strong financial acumen and proficiency in Excel, with experience in data visualization tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field (Finance, Economics, Statistics, SCM)
• 1–3 years of experience in procurement, finance, data analysis, or similar role
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with ability to interpret datasets
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivots, VLOOKUP)
• Experience with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) is a plus
• Desirable familiarity with procurement processes and principles
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment

Responsibilities

• Collect, organize, and analyze procurement data including spend and supplier performance
• Identify trends and opportunities to drive cost savings and efficiencies
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reports for key procurement KPIs
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses for sourcing strategies and supplier selections
• Support bid analysis, supplier evaluation, and negotiation prep
• Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement
• Assist in budgets and forecasts related to procurement expenditures
• Research market conditions and commodity prices for sourcing decisions
• Identify opportunities for process automation and system improvements
• Collaborate with finance and operations to align cost management strategies

Skills

Analytical mindset

Quantitative skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Statistics, Supply Chain Management

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the energy sector, is seeking a data-driven Procurement Analyst to join their finance and operations support team in Bloemfontein, Free State . This role is crucial for driving cost optimization initiatives and enhancing the efficiency of the procurement function. The successful candidate will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting procurement data to identify trends, cost-saving opportunities, and areas for process improvement. You will work closely with the procurement team and other departments to develop data-backed recommendations for sourcing strategies and supplier performance management. This is an exciting opportunity for an analytical professional to make a significant impact on the company's bottom line through strategic data utilization. The position requires a strong understanding of financial principles and procurement processes, combined with excellent analytical and reporting skills. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about leveraging data to drive informed business decisions and improve operational effectiveness. Your insights will be invaluable in shaping future procurement strategies within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect, organize, and analyze procurement data, including spend, supplier performance, and market intelligence.
• Identify trends, patterns, and anomalies in procurement data to uncover cost-saving opportunities and efficiencies.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reports to track key procurement KPIs and performance metrics.
• Conduct cost-benefit analysis for proposed sourcing strategies and supplier selections.
• Support the procurement team in bid analysis, supplier evaluation, and negotiation preparation.
• Monitor supplier performance and provide insights to drive continuous improvement and accountability.
• Assist in the development of budgets and forecasts related to procurement expenditures.
• Research market conditions and commodity prices to inform sourcing decisions.
• Identify opportunities for process automation and system improvements within the procurement function.
• Collaborate with finance and operations teams to ensure alignment on cost management strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Statistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related quantitative field.
• 1-3 years of experience in procurement, finance, data analysis, or a related analytical role.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to interpret complex datasets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables, VLOOKUPs) is essential.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is a plus.
• Familiarity with procurement processes and principles is desirable.Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.

Based in or willing to commute to Bloemfontein, Free State .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid and a provident fund. Opportunities for professional development and further education in data analytics and procurement are provided. The company culture emphasizes collaboration and innovation, with a supportive work environment. Additional perks include access to company facilities and a commitment to employee well-being. This role in Bloemfontein offers a fantastic foundation for a career in procurement analytics.