Sourcing Specialist

Vector Logistics Limited; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company in Midrand is seeking a Sourcing Specialist to strategically manage contracts and negotiate with suppliers. The role requires a degree in commerce or a related field, with at least 5 years of experience in sourcing. Strong negotiation and project management skills are essential. The Sourcing Specialist will drive cost-effective solutions and require a valid Code EB driver's license. This position promotes a diverse workplace and values candidates from designated groups.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in sourcing or purchasing environment.
• Demonstrated category knowledge and supplier relationship management.
• Valid Code EB drivers' license.

Responsibilities

• Support Procurement Manager in strategic sourcing and contract management.
• Negotiate supplier agreements for cost-effective solutions.
• Conduct market analysis to improve sourcing strategies.

Skills

Negotiation

Project management

Computer literacy (MS Office and SAP)

Verbal and written communication

Analytical thinking

Education

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

Tools

SAP

Job description

Sourcing Specialist

Permanent

Midrand

Overview

We are a Supply Chain and Sales & Merchandising partner adding value to your business through a fully integrated, temperature-controlled network in Southern Africa.

But we are also more than that. We are people serving people. While we boast the best in tech and infrastructure, our people are our greatest resource. With our skilled, curious, can-do people at the forefront, our assets become your assets, our service your solutions.

Vector’s vehicle fleet includes a food industry first in ‘multi-temperature’ vehicles enabling the company to service business across frozen, chilled and ambient temperature zones on a single delivery.

Job Purpose

• To support the Procurement Manager to strategically source, negotiate, manage and evaluate Group contracts within the specific category 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 within the category through constant engagement with business line managers and the buyers and analysis of spend behaviors.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Contribution

• Within the assigned category of spend, have responsibility for understanding the category strategy and plans, working with the Procurement Manager to deliver category analysis, sourcing exercises and general reviews of spend.
• Develop short, mid and long-term strategies for the various sub-categories ensuring delivery at the most competitive cost.
• Partner with the Business, senior stakeholders and consumers of services to determine requirements and apply professional sourcing and category management methodologies such as vendor rationalization, utilizing technology and flexible solutions to enhance user experience and minimize financial impact.
• Collaborate with site-based buyers to ensure Group strategies and policies are applied locally, to assess opportunities, and to drive performance improvements.
• Proactively drive regular engagement with the Business regarding its immediate and longer-term category.

Operational Management

• Determine preliminary specifications, existing and potential suppliers, timing of the product and service requirements and measure which determine success vs. failure for the internal business client.
• Coordinate appropriate methods needed to distribute products and/or services in a cost effective manner.
• Ensure that the products and/or services are delivered on schedule, at the negotiated price, and meet the quality standards of the Business.
• Actively monitor the suppliers being used within P2P ensuring orders are placed with preferred suppliers and under negotiated contracts.
• Where common items are purchased across the Group or a supplier is used frequently, negotiate 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, and obtaining samples for testing by requesting Functions.
• Analyse information within the P2P system 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 Procurement Manager on actions where applicable.
• Produce management information on activity within the P2P system to monitor and manage the frequency, value and volume of spend over monthly periods. Highlight and communicate compliance issues relating to adherence to the Group procurement policies.
• Actively monitor and facilitate the update of price lists for goods and services in the catalogues within the P2P system within the assigned category of spend.
• Negotiate with the incumbent suppliers to maintain competitive prices, benchmarking costs against other suppliers where necessary.
• Review and analyze all requests for new contracts and recommend their approval to the Procurement Manager if the supplier is financially and ethically sound and there is a valid reason for introducing a new contract.
• Coordinate monthly supplier performance reviews for key suppliers within the assigned category of spend, compiling data and information on performance to support the reviews.
• Ensure system data is maintained and manage the effective generation and communication of procurement metrics.

Tender Management

• Solicit and evaluate proposals for national contracts.
• Manage the administrative aspects of tenders for national contracts in the specific category.
• Prepare tenders and compile tender analysis schedules.
• Coordinate invitations for tender and tender submissions on contracts.
• Communicate tender outcome to the Business.
• Assists the Procurement Manager to implement and manage contracts by maintaining relevant information with regard to pricing within the market and spend against the current contract.
• Prepare contract modifications.
• 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.
• Effectively communicate with internal cross functional teams on the current and future status of products and services markets.
• Research potential and current suppliers to keep abreast of market/procurement conditions, new technology and makes recommendations to improve 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 and/or services balanced against the optimum quality and schedule needs.
• Advise team members and/or management on the appropriate supplier to be used.

Technical Expertise

• Provide ongoing advice and support on best practice to ensure continuous improvement in category contract sourcing and vendor management.
• Provide technical expertise and training to internal customers and colleagues.
• Develop specialist knowledge on assigned category and identify opportunities to deliver best value solutions and make recommendations on preferred strategies to the Procurement Manager.

SAP Enablement

• Work with the master data team to ensure the SAP master data related to the procurement category is accurate and up to date.
• Arrange for all new catalogues and suppliers to be promptly loaded on the SAP system.

SHEQ and Sustainability Management

• Administer all documentation relevant to category quality assurance and conformance.
• Update and maintain the approved category supplier list for the Group.
• Support internal and external audit processes and provide any necessary documentation.

Team Coordination

• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and activities and demonstrate effective self-management in terms of planning, prioritizing and self-development.
• Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of work are consistently and accurately maintained.
• Inform relevant parties in the event of tasks or deadlines not met, the potential risks thereof and provide appropriate resolution.
• Support and drive the business core values.
• Manage colleagues and clients’ expectations and communicate appropriately.
• Demonstrate willingness to help others and “go the extra mile” to meet team targets and objectives.
• Champion training and development of self through utilizing available training opportunities or contributing to the development of new training solutions relating to product costing in collaboration with national training specialists.
• Participate in regular performance appraisals and ensure that own targets and goals are clear and achievable.
• Maintain a basic appreciation and awareness of employee relations climate and ensure corrective action is taken where required in line with relevant legislation and company policy.

KPI’s

• Supply security.
• National contract coverage.
• Price and total ownership cost.
• Supplier performance.
• Internal customer satisfaction.
• SHEQ compliance.
• Contract value for money.
• Service level agreement standards attainment.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience Required for the Job

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in commerce, management, supply chain management or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience within a sourcing or purchasing and commercial management environment.
• Demonstrated category knowledge.
• Demonstrated success in developing and fostering relationships with suppliers while driving lower costs, superior performance and continuous improvement, particularly within the specific category.
• Valid Code EB drivers' license.

Skills and Competencies

Behaviour Standards

• Be brilliant at the basics.
• Face the brutal facts.
• Smash the silos.
• Lead with integrity, respect and energy.
• Be curious and challenge change.
• Take accountability for results and people.

Knowledge

• Business principles.
• Category sector and supplier dynamics and best practices.
• Category product/service performance standards.
• Group economics (supply and demand) and processes.
• Procurement methodologies, principles and systems.
• SAP “procure to pay”.
• Costing principles.
• Contract law.

Skills

• Planning and organization.
• Negotiation.
• Project management.
• Computer literacy (MS Office and SAP).
• Verbal and written communication.
• Report writing.
• Interpersonal.
• Logical thinking.
• Innovative thinking. Problem solving. Critical thinking. Decision-making. Analytical and evaluative thinking. Market research. Forecasting.

Attributes

• Initiative and assertive.
• Tolerant of stress and pressure.
• Attention to detail.
• Deadline driven.
• Able to priorities.
• Able to leverage technology.
• Organizational awareness.
• Commitment to building strong business relationships with suppliers.
• Effective communication with senior leaders internally and with suppliers.
• Ability to interface and demonstrate leadership both internally and externally.
• High-energy self-starter as well as collaborative team player.

Vector Logistics supports the principles of Employment Equity and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in line with our Employment Equity Plan.

If you have not heard from us within 3 to 4 weeks after submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion. We truly appreciate your interest in joining the Vector team and encourage you to stay connected for future opportunities that may align with your skills and career journey.

We look forward to hearing from you!