Job Description

• As a Category Specialist, you will be responsible for the following activities : 

STRATEGIC SOURCING

• Works with the business , cross functional teams and Group to understand and, where possible, optimise the local and regional business requirements for third party goods and services.
• Defines and Implement sourcing strategies to ensure projects across multiple end users are delivered within timelines as per business plans and category and procurement strategies.
• Analysing external and internal drivers of the category profile and understand supply chain and TCO reduction opportunities and apply benchmarking
• To analyse past spend as well as forecast spend and savings by commodity/business unit/location
• Applies current sourcing tools and methodologies including execution of sourcing events with e-sourcing technology.
• Implements and realises value through effective strategic cost management utilising best in class methods and tools.
• Supports the due diligence in mitigating external supply risk from supplier selection through to contract execution and on-going supplier delivery.
• developments of purchasing plans ; updating as per progress and provide performance tracking reports to Category Manager

CONTRACT EXECUTION AND IMPLEMENTATION

• Responsible for defining contract strategies, drafting agreements; implementing longer term contracts / agreement with suppliers using defined indexes and defined supplier performance metrics
•  Implements clear and concise supply contracts, which considers all Total SA HSSE, legal and commercial aspects and ensure correct use of contract standard terms and application of industry terms and conditions.
• Supports ongoing contract management, including compliance to contractual terms by the suppliers; management of contract expiry and renegotiation of contracts
• Ensures the mechanics of the contracts, as well as the risks, are understood by all impacted stakeholders.

SUPPLIER PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

• Develop a list of key and strategic suppliers to be approved by the Local Contract Committee and Group Category Managers
• Manager the supplier performance management processes including coordinating SPM with end-user’s involvement; developing the assessment questionnaire.
• Facilitates the performance review process. Uses tools to drive analysis of a wide variety of performance information.
• Propose and apply incentive schemes and penalties to drive and improve performance.
• Facilitate development of mutually agreed performance improvement plans.

STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

• To closely manage the relationship with internal customers and stakeholders, both within the framework of cross-functional
• category teams but also generally other internal stakeholders with relation to the category
• To proactively organise sessions with internal stakeholders and external stakeholders to explore opportunities that can reduce cost and risk and drive innovation

TENDER MANAGEMENT

• Manage and ensure effective execution of the Tenders within the prescribed policies and procedures
• Manage the tender process and ensure prequalification of suppliers (including compliance to HSE requirements) and lead Supplier Evaluation Process.
• Chair all cross functional team meetings to actively manage the project timelines; communicate with the team members and other stake holders and lead presentations to Tender Committee.
• Manage and ensure integrity of information by quality check tender presentations and documents

GENERAL

• To appropriately apply policies and procedures in compliance with the government laws
• To enhance BBBEE rating through monitoring suppliers and contracting and buying from BBBEE accredited suppliers, obtaining the set targets
• Stakeholder Management and Communication
• To ensure suppliers adhere to TSA procurement procedures
• Assist in closing audit findings
• To report weekly and monthly to Category Manager on all purchasing activities
• Responsible for commercial vendor pre-qualification and due diligence checks
• Collaborate and work closely with Total Group Procurement (TGP) and other affiliates
• Should be able to work with OPTMA, SMART, ARIBA esourcing, SAP, AGORA and MDVA
• Ensure that all goods and services are procured within the defined hse requirements and suppliers adherence to hse rules

Context and environment

• Establish, engages in and build collaborative relationships with business and project teams and other key business unit stakeholders. Ensures procurement of goods and services is done within compliance to Total Group and Local Procurement Policies/Directives and standards to minimise risk and cost exposure.

Candidate profile

As a Category Specialist, ideally you will possess the following  :

• A relevant recognised Bachelor of Commence or B-Tech degree or equivalent degree/Diploma preferably purchasing or logistics from a recognised tertiary institution
• Minimum of 7 years procurement experience with at least 3 years in strategic sourcing
• Good communicator and potential to lead
• Knowledge of developing Sourcing strategies and execution of Tendering process a prerequisite
• Previous experience or understanding of indirect commodities gives an added advantage
• Good analytical skills and reporting capability are essential
• Key competencies should include strong negotiation skills, analytical skills, high personal integrity, excellent presentation and strong English communication skills, both written and oral.
• Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Vision and Projects)
• SAP System
• e-Procurement / e-Sourcing