Job Description

This role is for a client of ours in a niche industry. This role will build, implement, initiate, improve and oversee all processes and systems related to procurement (buying, suppliers and supplier management, inventory planning, team management, cost control and analysis, compliance, local and international procurement, etc). Being a management role, there is a necessity to plan, organise, lead and control the Procurement department as a whole.

Reports to: Managing Director

Location: Stikland, Cape Town

Schedule: Monday – Fridays, 08:00-16:30 (In-office)

Travel Required: Frequent domestic & international travel

Responsibilities:

General

• Strategically manage the procurement lifecycle.

• Develop and implement procurement strategies to boost efficiency and lower costs.

• Ensure procurement optimization - reducing lead times, improving supplier relationships, etc.

• Monitor and forecast inventory levels, implementing just-in-time inventory practices to balance supply with demand.

• Ensure seamless integration of procurement operations with other business units.

• Implement sustainable and ethical procurement practices, aligning with company values and regulations.

• Ensure best practice logistics planning, including route planning, carrier selection, and freight cost negotiation ensuring timely delivery and minimising transportation costs.

• Utilize data analysis and forecasting to identify trends, forecast future supply needs, predict market changes, and ensure proactive responses through data-driven decisions.

• Utilize knowledge of procurement software / enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

• Stay informed about the latest industry trends and advancements in procurement management.

Procurement & Compliance:

• Manage and minimize lead times in procurement processes.

• Ensure proper supply, place orders with local and international suppliers, and manage orders effectively.

• Ensure on-time delivery with reliable estimated delivery times (ETAs).

• Ensure all shipping documents and processes comply with international requirements.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies & supplier contracts.
• Ensure accurate data capture, tracking, and administration from ordering to delivery.
• Track and report procurement trends, stock ordering, and lead times to identify improvement opportunities.

Suppliers:

• Strengthen relationships with suppliers to ensure quality and consistent supply.

• Identify and establish reliable, quality suppliers, especially in China and other strategic markets.

• Conduct regular assessments of supplier capabilities, reliability, and quality.

• Ensure products meet quality standards and minimize returns.

• Address and resolve stock non-conformances effectively.

• Ensure all supplier documentation, such as SLAs, are current and complete.

• Optimize procurement terms, including prices, contracts, and payment terms, to secure the best value for the company.

• Daily Communication - Serve as the primary point of contact between our company and suppliers, managing all communication effectively.

Inventory:

• Drive down procurement costs through strategic buying.

• Optimize inventory levels to reduce holding costs and avoid stockouts.

• Ensure sufficient stock to meet demand.

• Expand product range annually to meet evolving market needs.

• Product Sourcing - Research and source new products that align with our business needs and market demands.

• Maintain a strong understanding of the type of equipment and products we are sourcing and buying.

• Maintain accuracy in purchase orders to reduce discrepancies and delays.

• Maintain low COGS without compromising quality.

• Maintain compliance of procured products with local regulatory standards (e.g., NRCS, LPGSA standards in South Africa).

People Management:

• Ensure team members meet individual and team procurement goals.

• Provide &/ set-up regular training to enhance team skills, especially in negotiation, data management, and supplier relationship management.

• Encourage the team to identify and implement process improvements within procurement.

• Ensure team members are cross-trained to handle different procurement tasks, improving flexibility and reducing bottlenecks.

• Maintain strong internal communication and collaboration within the team and with other departments.

• Minimize errors in purchase orders, data entries, and procurement documentation managed by the team.

• Manage and mentor procurement staff, fostering a culture of engagement, continuous improvement and professional development.

• Assist in any HR related matters in the department (Recruitment, Onboarding, Payroll, Disciplinary, Performance Appraisals etc)

Requirements

• 5-7 years in a similar Procurement / Buying / Sourcing role.

• Relevant qualification in procurement management.

• Proven experience of international sourcing, and suppliers, preferably with a focus on China and other global markets.

• Proficiency on a stock management/inventory system (example, DEAR (Cin7), Syspro, etc.).

• Experience in sourcing of equipment, tools, electronics, homeware, or similar items.

• Experience in procurement of Catering/Food Service equipment – advantageous.

• Good understanding of catering equipment and the catering equipment industry.
• Willing and able to travel internationally, to China in particular.

• Fluent in English. Afrikaans is an advantage.

• Valid South African driver's license.

• Valid South African Passport

Competencies:

1. Superb interpersonal skills
2. Strong relationship building skills
3. Strong Management and Leadership skills
4. Excellent communication (telephonically & electronically)
5. Strong attention to detail
6. Technically Minded
7. Team player
8. Independent thinker & self-motivated
9. Strong decision-making skills & analytical skills
10. Excellent problem-solving skills
11. Willingness to learn and grow further in the business