This role reports into the Procurement Specialist

As a Commodity Specialist, you will be responsible for:

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for tactical, non-category managed, products and as per sourcing strategy, framework and procurement policy.
• Perform analysis of business requirements such as supply markets, supply chains, demand patterns and commodity strategies.
• Negotiate optimum commercial agreements for short (one-year) and medium-term (three-year) contracts.
• Draft and conclude supply agreements and service level agreements for tactical, non-category managed goods and services.
• Consult with the Legal department to draft supply agreements.
• Ensure that all materials and services are sourced and procured according to specification; following the procurement policy and/or as detailed in the sourcing strategy.
• Highlight potential opportunities for items to be placed on contract.
• Implement and/or follow effective expediting procedures and monitor non-compliance.
• Negotiate supplier payment terms unless already negotiated by commodity and/or sourcing managers.
• Compile motivations for deviation from standard payment terms.
• Maintain an effective supplier database.
• Develop existing and identify new suppliers to effectively reduce the total cost of ownership associated with the procurement of products and services.
• Monitor and track supplier performance against service level agreements including quality control where required.
• Identification and implementation of inventory and working capital reduction initiatives.
• Perform supplier audits as required.
• Implement, where required, stock management, sale of by-products and redundant spares.
• Analysis and interpretation of accounting data and transactions for budgeting process and variance reporting.
• Assist internal customers in identifying opportunities and engagement for ESD suppliers.
• Perform benchmarking on price, cost and supply chain effectiveness.
• Execute cost savings plans and track against targets.
• Develop business cases when required.
• Develop and maintain internal customer service relationships.
• Load and maintain contract pricing on the SAP system.
• Promote and help achieve Sappi’s BBBEE preferential procurement and enterprise development objectives and targets.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors.
• Compile monthly, quarterly and annual operational reports on performance.

What are we looking for?

• Relevant Degree or Diploma/ NQF Level 6-7
• A minimum of 5 – 8 years’ experience in industrial, procurement or materials management environment and Finance.
• Experience in the technical and/or manufacturing environment would be beneficial.
• SAP MM experience would be advantageous.