Category Specialist x3 - Transnet

Position Purpose:

Executes the category strategy and implementation plan to support strategic sourcing initiatives within subcategory, including running the tender process and collating pack for adjudication evaluation and communicating award decision

• Supports contract negotiation and finalisation

Position outputs:

Role Overview

• Provide analytical support to subcategory management teams to create a fact based decision making approach by leveraging all available data sources

• Responsible for assisting in all aspects of the subcategory management process, including but not limited to developing category strategies, monitoring performance and compliance, managing communications, and developing joint process improvement opportunities
• Organise and document all analysis steps and assumptions for future reference and support ongoing reporting
• Facilitate and coordinate supplier relationships leveraging internal subcategory and supplier expertise to create a “healthy” interaction

• Supervise the planning and re-planning of supplier allocation

Research / Analysis

• Assist Category Manager to analyse and report on supplier performance
• Provide analytical support for new targets and expectations

Category Management Support

• Drive category strategy/execution across the Procurement process
• Support on analytics as required to drive strategy in the subcategory, development of fact-based packs leading up to negotiations and contracting processes

• Assist in internal process improvement efforts for plan creation and facilitation of results
• Support development of change management plans and communication plans
• Identify category trends from spend and demand analysis
• Review market analysis
• Conduct value chain analysis
• Develop category criticality map/prioritise
• Develop category profiles including segments/bundling of similar commodities fr sourcing
• Establish team and timing for execution of bundles
• Provide input to the sourcing strategy to the tender sourcing committee

Qualifications & Experience:

1. National Diploma in Supply Chain Management or relevant related qualifications
2. 5 years relevant experience in Supply Chain Management, preferably with Supervisory experience

Competencies:

Problem Solving / Resolution

• Supports strategies and business plans to achieve the category direction
• Generates new ideas or solutions by thinking "outside of the box"
• Understands and deal with various business situation using obtained knowledge and a broad spectrum of expertise
• Thinks in a systematic way but is open to new approaches
• Identifies areas of risks and implements corrective actions to mitigate the impact of risks to ensure overall sustainability

Technical Skills

• Microsoft application computer skills, including Excel skills
• Knowledge of Procurement tools/technologies (e.g. ERP System)
• Category management, strategic sourcing, the centre led Procurement
• Demonstrable stakeholder and interpersonal relationship skills
• Business transformation acumen
• Proven experience in managing a broad variety of spend categories and an achievement in cost reduction strategies
• Advanced reporting, communication, presentation, organisation and negotiation skills for management of processes and projects.

Relationship Management / Negotiations

• Leads by example. Inspires, motivates and empowers team members to do their best
• Demonstrates high degree of tenacity and determination to influence difficult/reluctant stakeholders; responsive and proactive to needs of diverse stakeholders

• Track record of building and managing long term internal and external business relationships

Knowledge Base

• Keeps abreast of internal and external factors that can impact the business
• PFMA and PPPFA knowledge; always work in the best interest of the organisation and aligns business practices to the ethical obligations and good corporate governance

• Lean Six Sigma
• Procurement analytics and spend analytics
• Project and programme management and execution
• Knowledge of advanced Procurement analytics and tools and technology.

Position Specific

• Promotes and maintains a Procurement culture that embodies professional integrity and ethics Process & Policy Adherence

• Business and financial analysis
• Dealing with ambiguity