Senior Procurement Officer

Job Title: Senior Procurement Officer

Department: Procurement

Job Purpose

The Senior Procurement Officer is responsible for managing the procurement function to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and compliant acquisition of goods and services required for plant operations. The role focuses on strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract administration, cost reduction initiatives, inventory optimization, and ensuring procurement activities align with company policies, ethical standards, and operational requirements.

Key ResponsibilitiesProcurement Planning and Execution

• Develop and implement procurement strategies that support operational and business objectives.
• Source and procure raw materials, maintenance spares, equipment, consumables, and services required for plant operations.
• Ensure timely processing of purchase requisitions and purchase orders.
• Monitor procurement activities to ensure uninterrupted production and operational continuity.
• Coordinate with user departments to forecast procurement requirements and develop procurement plans.

Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Management

• Identify, evaluate, and develop reliable suppliers.
• Conduct supplier assessments, audits, and performance evaluations.
• Maintain strategic supplier relationships to ensure quality, service, and competitive pricing.
• Lead supplier negotiations to secure favorable commercial terms.
• Establish and maintain an approved supplier database.

Contract Management

• Draft, review, and administer supplier contracts and service-level agreements.
• Ensure contractual compliance and manage supplier obligations.
• Monitor contract performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Manage contract renewals and supplier disputes.

Cost Management and Continuous Improvement

• Drive cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing and negotiation.
• Conduct market analysis to identify pricing trends and supply risks.
• Monitor procurement expenditure and identify opportunities for optimization.
• Support inventory reduction and working capital improvement initiatives.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, legal requirements, and ethical standards.
• Promote transparency, fairness, and accountability in all procurement processes.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation.
• Participate in internal and external audits as required.
• Ensure compliance with BBBEE, local content requirements, and other applicable procurement regulations.

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate closely with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Finance, Stores, and Logistics departments.
• Provide procurement guidance and support to internal stakeholders.
• Resolve procurement-related issues and escalations promptly.

Risk Management

• Identify supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Develop contingency plans for critical materials and services.
• Monitor supplier financial stability and operational performance.
• Ensure business continuity through effective supplier diversification.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor procurement staff.
• Allocate workloads and monitor team performance.
• Support employee development through coaching and training.
• Foster a culture of ethical conduct, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or National Diploma in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Commerce, Business Management, or related field.
• Professional procurement qualification (CIPS, SAPICS, or equivalent) will be advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 5–8 years of procurement experience.
• At least 3 years in a senior procurement role within manufacturing, mining, chemical, metallurgical, or heavy industrial environments.
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing, contract management, and supplier negotiations.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP, Sage, Syspro, Oracle, or similar.

Knowledge Requirements

• Procurement and supply chain management principles.
• Contract and commercial management.
• Inventory management and demand planning.
• Supplier performance management.
• Procurement legislation and governance requirements.
• BBBEE and local supplier development requirements.
• Manufacturing plant procurement processes.

Skills and Competencies

• Strategic sourcing and negotiation skills.
• Strong commercial and business acumen.
• Financial analysis and cost management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Leadership and team management skills.
• Planning and organizational skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Procurement cost savings achieved.
• Supplier on-time delivery performance.
• Purchase order cycle time.
• Contract compliance rate.
• Supplier performance ratings.
• Inventory optimization and stock availability.
• Procurement audit findings.
• BBBEE and local procurement targets.
• Procurement budget adherence.
• Internal customer satisfaction.

Behavioural Competencies

• Integrity and ethical conduct.
• Accountability.
• Results orientation.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Professionalism.
• Resilience and adaptability.
• Customer-focused approach.

Work Location: In person