Procurement Specialist

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Pretoria seeks a Procurement Specialist to manage procurement activities. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and at least five years of experience in construction-related procurement. Responsibilities include sourcing suppliers, managing contracts, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies. The role offers flexible hybrid work arrangements and competitive remuneration.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid work arrangement

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive remuneration packages

Pension and medical scheme contributions

Recognition through Excellence Awards

Qualifications

• At least five years of procurement experience in construction-related projects.
• In-depth knowledge of CIDB processes and regulations.
• Experience with standard construction contracts.
• Understanding of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
• Good interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Source goods and services and manage supplier relationships.
• Document and assess business objectives.
• Analyze spend data and collect market intelligence.
• Ensure compliance with procurement criteria.
• Manage procurement activities efficiently.

Skills

Construction procurement knowledge

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Contract management

Strong organizational skills

Report writing skills

Ability to meet deadlines

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent purchasing qualification

Job description

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises, and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisation's work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.

Procurement Specialist

Position level: Skilled

About The Job

The CSIR has a vacancy for Procurement Specialist in the Supply Chain Management portfolio. The incumbent will establish and maintain procurement activities on a day-to-day operational and transactional level. The position is based in Pretoria. This position reports to the Procurement Manager.

Key Responsibilities

1. Source goods and services, review and manage existing supplier relationships.
2. Document and assess internal stakeholders' business and sourcing objectives.
3. Collect macro- and micro-level market intelligence and analyze spend data.
4. Determine the total value of identified commodities and report accordingly to management.
5. Source suppliers that meet the CSIR procurement criteria and ensure compliance with the CSIR's B-BBEE policy and programme.
6. Manage procurement transactional services ensuring reduction in purchase order cycle times and tracking supplier performance against targets.
7. Assess and implement automation of processes to improve service delivery.
8. Expedite orders to monitor quality, on-time deliveries, preferential procurement, and savings.
9. Ensure effective and timely response to user calls related to orders and deliveries.
10. Ensure the Procurement portfolio's compliance with CSIR policies, procedures, and IT standards focusing on standardisation of processes.
11. Keep abreast of business systems and new developments.
12. Manage procurement activities throughout the purchasing and supply chain.
13. Ensure that purchasing activities are conducted in a fair, equitable, transparent, cost-effective, and efficient manner.
14. Build strategic, professional, and ethical relationships with internal clients and suppliers.
15. Ensure buying activities support CSIR's supplier contracts and consider the organisation's strategic interests.
16. Create cost savings opportunities from bulk buying, proper contract management, pooling efforts, and economies of scale.
17. Provide accurate and timely reporting of relevant management information.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

1. A Bachelor's degree or equivalent three-year purchasing qualification with at least five years of procurement experience, specifically in construction-related projects.
2. In-depth knowledge of construction industry procurement practices, including CIDB processes and regulations.
3. Experience working with standard construction contracts.
4. Contract management skills, including experience with construction contracts and knowledge of e-procurement systems.
5. Thorough understanding of designated sector procurement and experience managing construction-related tenders.
6. Good understanding and experience of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
7. Report writing skills and the ability to evaluate suppliers with a thorough understanding of business processes.
8. Strong sourcing, buying, negotiation, planning, and organizing skills.
9. A high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and problem-solving ability.
10. Ability to meet demanding deadlines and good interpersonal skills.
11. All international qualifications require an evaluation report/certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

What’s in it for you?

The CSIR Offers

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement
• Learning and development opportunities
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages
• Total guaranteed salary packages including contributions to pension, risk insurance, and medical schemes
• Recognition and rewards through CSIR Excellence Awards

Closing date: 06 August 2025

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.

For more info, email us at [e-mail]. Please do not send applications to this mailbox; it is only for inquiries.

The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer committed to the employment Equity Act. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups. By applying, the applicant consents to the CSIR obtaining credit and criminal reports, verifying educational qualifications, and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement before the closing date and to not appoint if a suitable candidate is not found.