Job Summary
Main job function The Procurement Specialist is responsible for procurement/strategic sourcing of the companys products and services from global Telecommunication, IT and Networking vendors, to support internal stakeholders by establishing and maintaining long-term beneficial relationships and costing / pricing strategies. 3-5 years experience in a Service Provider environment or ICT / Telecommunications Industry 5-10 years experience in initiating, executing, evaluating and managing strategic sourcing/procurement activities Bachelors degree in commerce, Supply Chain or related tertiary qualification preferable Excellent understanding of the procurement processes Project management or service delivery background advantageous Product knowledge of networking, voice and secure cloud products and services Knowledge and experience of network infrastructure advantageous Excellent data analytical skills, Advanced Excel and other MS Office applications Basic Cost-Accounting skills an advantage Knowledge of ISP/data solution providers and markets across the globe Basic knowledge of telco regulations Develop procurement strategies that are innovative and cost-effective Re-design, refine and implement procurement policies, processes and related controls Provide professional sourcing support for key business initiatives, supply market research / intelligence to support business decisions in investments and budgets and establishment of local or international contracts Act as a subject matter expert in the various products and services, including sourcing and qualification of partners and suppliers in new geographic locations for existing or upcoming products and services requirements Review and ensure that all supplier and customer Contracts and SLAs are aligned Manage and maintain the supplier database from vetting of suppliers through to end of lifecycle, including tracking and forecasting all price increases Negotiate with suppliers to secure advantageous terms and ensure services are sourced and negotiated at market-related prices or less Ensure pricing books are up to date and communicated with management if any price changes take place Validate the purchase requisitions (PR) from the respective teams, ie: Solutions & Technical and understand all technical requirements, SLA and delivery lead times for all requests Prepare comparative statements of the quotations received from suppliers to select best source of supply Negotiate further discounts, based on confirmed order and obtain an official quote for all requests Manage, control and oversee the POR packs ensuring accuracy, completeness and sign-off Manage and control the logistics of product/service delivery, including liaising with clearing agents and overseeing tax and customs implications Analyze and report on annual spend per supplier and provide financial oversight on spend analytics and inflation Leverage and participate in partnership programs to maintain or enhance our partnership status, secure promotions, incentives and trainings offered, discounts/preferential rates and build brand awareness Track, manage and control the rebate process to ensure rebates requests are submitted and rebates are received Manage and own the supplier portals and deal registrations (Cisco, Fortinet and other) Leverage on marketing campaigns/events with suppliers by utilizing their financial and marketing resources to expand our brand awareness Participate in transformational, consolidation and negotiate annual cost-savings initiatives Analyze trends & provide proactive recommendations to the Solutions/Finance leadership team by highlighting potential risks & opportunities of the business Vendor / Carrier Relations Management Forge professional and effective relationships with key stakeholders, supply chain colleagues, process partners and vendors to maintain effective service delivery and a seamless service for our clients Work with global suppliers, ensuring open and transparent communication of supplier feedback Develops, reviews, and refines supplier score cards and procedures for vendor rules of engagement Leverage score card analytics to make data-driven decisions and recommendations to stakeholders and leaders. Suppliers audits, Initiate and manage all supplier audits on compliance, quality and sustainability Manage and resolve supplier escalations from internal departments Responsible for resolving Supplier invoice holds and payment issues from suppliers. Track and monitor savings generated through supplier development, negotiations, part development/product substitution or any other such initiative Retrieve reports from the system and generate monthly reports to measure trends Periodically review current key contracts and supplier relationships SLA / Credit Management and Cost Savings Ensure SLA criteria including penalties are in place with all suppliers Analyze the delivery of contract outcome against agreed SLA's and other performance criteria Negotiate necessary credit note with the supplier based on SLA reporting Obtain necessary credit note and ensure captured by Finance Other Work both individually and as part of a team where appropriate Fulfil any training and/or examination requirements as per the Companys skills requirements Be willing to carry out or assist with such tasks as may be required to achieve deliverables, or as reasonably requested by a member of the client Regularly familiarize yourself with portfolio of Products and Services, Customers, Suppliers and internal Procedures Always be a professional and courteous representative Necessary Experience and/or Qualification 3-5 years experience in a Service Provider environment or ICT / Telecommunications Industry 5-10 years experience in initiating, executing, evaluating and managing strategic sourcing activities Bachelors degree in commerce, Supply Chain or related tertiary qualification preferable Excellent understanding of the procurement processes Project management or service delivery background advantageous Product knowledge of networking, voice and secure cloud products and services Knowledge and experience of network infrastructure advantageous Excellent data analytical skills, Advanced Excel and other MS Office applications Basic Cost-Accounting skills an advantage Knowledge of ISP/data solution providers and markets across the globe Basic knowledge of telco regulations Personal Skills/Competencies Required Excellent written and verbal communication skills Competitive bidding and negotiation skills Vendor and contract management knowledge Value analysis, business case development & financial analytical skills Strong stakeholder management skills Excellent problem-solving ability A Consultant will be in touch if you are shortlisted for the position. Please consider your application unsuccessful should you not have been contacted within 2 weeks. We will keep your CV on our database and contact you should you match the criteria of any other vacancies.