Job DescriptionJob Purpose / SummaryThe Senior Purchasing Officer is a member of a client dedicated procurement service delivery team responsible for assisting category managers (client or WNS) with category planning and strategy development, benchmarking, collecting market intelligence, managing stakeholders, and developing project pipelines. He or she will lead the client's defined strategic sourcing execution process, including building cost models, designing and launching of RFIs/RFPs, evaluating bids, planning and executing negotiation strategies, and making award recommendations. Additionally, this role is responsible for drafting and negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships. A successful candidate will drive year over year savings while ensuring quality and service level requirements are met.This role frequently interacts with senior members of the client's organization, so he or she must have excellent communication skills and be comfortable leading and participating in discussions across levels and cultures.In addition to strategic sourcing responsibilities, this role may have people management responsibilities for up to 6 team members of various levels ranging from analyst to associate across functions such as sourcing execution, contracting, supplier relationship management, and procurement operations. He or she is also responsible for creating a positive work environment and fostering cross-functional and cross-regional collaboration.QualificationsKey Responsibilities / Job DutiesDeveloping and executing sourcing strategies through the use of the client's strategic sourcing processIdentifying cost savings through negotiations, event driven activities, and alternate sourcing strategies to achieve assigned cost saving goalsLeading commercial negotiations and drafting contractsSupporting category managers in managing overall supplier relationships, including supplier performance, capability development, risk mitigation, cost savings, and quality improvementsIf applicable, managing the team's objective setting, performance, career growth, training, and competency developmentActing as the escalation point for the source to contract (S2C) team, communicating and resolving operational issues, and escalating to the Regional Delivery Lead or Category Manager as necessaryKnowledge, Skills and Abilities Expertise in direct spend categories specifically with automotive components is a must (e.g. electronic, chassis, engine, body, etc.). including understanding external market dynamics, top suppliers, market trends and highlights, and procurement strategiesDeep understanding of strategic sourcing methods and approaches and an ability to apply various concepts to category-level activities at the clientAbility to determine the appropriate procurement strategy for assigned categories and business requirementsAbility to draft simple to complex contractual agreementsExcellent written and verbal communication and presentation skillsExcellent problem-solving skills and the ability to provide custom solutions to address the client's challengesAbility to manage and prioritize multiple projects and initiatives simultaneouslyStrong leadership skills, including ability to motivate and manage peopleProficiency using Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, Word and PowerPointAdditional InformationRequired Education and ExperienceRelevant tertiary qualification5+ years of work experience in contracts, negotiations, procurement, or sourcing5+ years of experience with strategic sourcing or supporting a sourcing organizationExpertise in direct spend categories specifically with automotive components is a must (e.g. electronic, chassis, engine, body, etc.).OtherThis is a hybrid role (work from home and office) based in Century City, Cape Town.
