We are hiring!

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Commodity Specialist to support management with the planning, execution, and control of the procurement process in order to meet customer expectations and company goals. Liaising with internal customers, management, and suppliers to ensure smooth operational delivery.

This role reports into the Senior Procurement Manager – Sourcing

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 in order to draft supply agreements.
• Ensure that all materials and services are sourced and procured according to specification; in accordance with 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. Perform supplier audits as required.
• Identification and implementation of inventory and working capital reduction initiatives.
• 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.

• Execute cost savings plans and track against targets.
• Participate in and/or lead regional or global multi-functional sourcing teams.
• Load and maintain contract pricing on the SAP system.
• Promote and help achieve Sappi’s BBBEE preferential procurement and enterprise development objectives and targets.
• 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.