Commodity Manager: DRG - Transnet NPA

Position Purpose

To develop and deploy sourcing commodity strategies to deliver value through strategic sourcing. For designated commodity formulate commodity strategies and execute strategy in conjunction with Ports" commodity teams. Implement iSCM strategy in a long-term, quality, delivery, and cost focused approach. Support key purchasing requirements, including vendor search, vendor management, evaluation, negotiations, follow up on delivery/performance and post-delivery dispute resolution.

Manage TNPA's portfolio of strategic commodities through cross functional sourcing teams for effective execution of portfolio-based commodity strategies, as well as ensuring the overall sustainability of commodity-based initiatives. Plays an active role in effective execution of the integrated Supply Chain Management strategy (iSCM).

Position Outputs

Commodity strategy formulation and execution:

• Market research and data analysis of strategic commodities;
• Spend analyses to identify optimisation levers for strategic commodities;
• Development of potential cost saving initiatives that will reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) of that commodity;
• Evaluation and prioritisation of cost saving initiatives and development of the action plans for execution;
• Management and participation in the execution of strategic plans;
• Contribute thought leadership and insights for continuous improvement of strategic sourcing within TNPA as part of the activities of Strategic Sourcing;
• Ensure that commodity strategies adequately respond to directives, mandates and initiatives set by the iSCM Council and other bodies and persons in authority. Provide regular feedback on progress and highlight or escalate snags and problems immediately as they occur.

Tendering process management:

• Drives the tender initiation process including: maintaining tender register, compiling tender documentation, inviting and receiving tenders, scheduling tender receipts, and liaising with user departments;
• Facilitates the tender adjudication process by reviewing tenders, evaluating and validating tenders and expediting of tender adjudication;
• Administration of the process of awarding tenders including: signing-off letters of acceptance or regrets; distributing and communicating tenders to ports and ensuring compliance.

Contracts management:

• Management of contracts pertaining to strategic sourcing and reporting thereof, including renewal or termination processes.

Supplier relationship management

• Implement supplier relationship management strategies throughout their lifecycle;
• Implement, develop and track supplier capability mapping, complete commodity and industry benchmarking projects and maintain a database and research statistics;
• Ensure service level agreement enforcement with external service providers;
• Development and management of the strategic supplier relationship and leading regular supplier reviews which include feedback on price, quality and delivery; and
• Manage supplier performance review and supplier scorecard.

Commodity performance monitoring:

• Consolidate and report on delivery against savings targets for commodities in line with strategic sourcing reporting format, key performance indicators and metrics.
• Input into reporting on overall performance of the strategic sourcing programme.
• Track progress against savings plan, delivery of benefits targets and action plans for commodity, using the business intelligence processes established as part of the iSCM.
• Highlight achievement of strategic and tactical targets on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis on divisional and group levels for commodity.

Compliance to policies, procedures and standards for risk management:

• Ensure compliance to relevant legislation and ensure contract management support in terms of archiving, contract price adjustments and correspondence.

Contribute to management of the strategic sourcing function with Transnet Group Supply Chain Management:

• Contribute to the annual TNPA Strategic Sourcing budgeting, target setting and agreement processes;
• Contribute to team activities within the context of the new iSCM Strategy and business objectives;
• Deploy skills development initiatives within immediate team for delivery of capacity development initiatives.
• Implement succession planning within the immediate team; and
• Work with the cross functional teams to define the values and behaviours required to create a positive motivational culture.

Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant Bachelor's degree/National Higher Diploma (Technical, Financial or Commercial) is required, or CIPS Level 5;
• A Postgraduate in Business or Finance degree or similar would be an added advantage; and
• At least 8 years Supply Management experience in a large organisation.
• OR Relevant qualification (NQF 6/7) with 8 years relevant and solid experience with at least 3 years at managerial level or specialist experience within the Supply Chain Environment.
• Advantageous: Transnet Leadership Development Programme

Competencies

Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of supply chain management function;
• Understanding of technical and operational requirements of a business including capital requirements;
• Experience in a procurement or supply management environment will be an advantage but is not a requirement;
• Sound knowledge of procurement related legislation;
• Sound knowledge of Contract Management with specific reference to Strategic Sourcing;
• Sound knowledge of best practice Supply Management processes, including BB BEE practices; and
• Working knowledge of data management and systems, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP R/3.

Skills Required:

• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to work under own initiative
• Assertive and patiently tenacious
• Planning and organising skills
• Report writing
• Conflict resolution skills
• Tact and courtesy
• Able to be firm but impartial when making decisions
• Resourceful
• Problem-solving skills
• Able to work as a part of a team
• Able to work independently