ENVIRONMENT:

A leading retail and wholesale company specializing in office and school supplies in South Africa is seeking a Chief Procurement Officer (CPO). This role is responsible for leading and managing the company's procurement function, including the acquisition of goods and services, supplier management, contract negotiations, and ensuring the alignment of procurement strategies with the company’s overall objectives. The CPO will oversee the performance of business categories and manage a team of Category Managers. Additionally, the CPO will play a pivotal role in optimizing input costs while achieving goals related to cost efficiency, quality, and sustainability.

DUTIES:

Strategic Procurement Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy that aligns with the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Lead and manage the procurement team, providing direction, mentorship, and development opportunities.
• Establish long-term partnerships with key suppliers to ensure the company’s supply needs are met cost-effectively and with high quality.
• Supplier and Contract Management
• Oversee the negotiation, drafting, and management of all supplier contracts to ensure favourable terms and compliance with company policies.
• Evaluate and monitor supplier performance to ensure they meet the company’s standards for quality, cost, and delivery.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Cost Management and Optimization

• Drive cost-saving initiatives across the procurement function while maintaining quality and service levels.
• Implement best practices in procurement to achieve significant cost reductions and operational efficiencies.
• Monitor and report on procurement performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement.

Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate risks in the procurement process, including supply chain disruptions, supplier insolvency, and geopolitical risks.
• Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies to ensure business continuity.

Compliance and Sustainability

• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies related to procurement.
• Promote sustainable procurement practices, including the use of eco-friendly products and ethical sourcing.
• Ensure the company meets its corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments in procurement activities.
• Promote procurement from suppliers with a Level 4 or lower BBBEE rating.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with other departments, such as finance, operations, regional management, to understand their procurement needs and align procurement strategies accordingly.
• Participate in company-wide initiatives and projects that involve procurement-related activities.

Category Management

• Lead and manage a team of category managers, providing guidance, coaching, and performance management.
• Drive category management excellence, ensuring effective market analysis, supplier selection, and contract management.

REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree or MBA is preferred.
• Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in procurement, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Certifications: Professional certification in procurement (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) is highly desirable.

Skills:

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities.
• Deep understanding of supply chain management, sourcing, and procurement best practices.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on cost reduction and efficiency.
• International sourcing experience particularly from the East
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge of procurement software and tools.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute long-term procurement strategies.
• Decision-Making: Ability to make informed decisions quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership: Strong ability to lead and inspire a team, driving performance and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding of financial principles as they relate to procurement and cost management.
• Ethical Integrity: Commitment to ethical procurement practices and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Additional Information

• Travel Requirements: Must be able to travel local and internationally.

While we would really like to respond to every application, should you not be contacted for this position within 10 working days please consider your application unsuccessful.

COMMENTS:

When applying for jobs, ensure that you have the minimum job requirements. Only SA Citizens will be considered for this role. If you are not in the mentioned location of any of the jobs, please note your relocation plans in all applications for jobs and correspondence. Apply here https://www.datafin.com/job/chief-procurement-manager/

OR e-mail a Word copy of your CV to nix@datafin.com and mention the reference number of the job.