Senior Procurement Specialist - Supply Chain

My client (FMCG) is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Procurement Specialist - Supply Chain, based in the Randfontein area . Job Purpose: To manage and execute procurement activities related to engineering materials, equipment, and services for South Africa in a cost-effective manner and compliance with procurement policies and procedures. Key Responsibilities: Demand Determination Establish and maintain sound, collaborative relationships with stakeholders, including line managers Collaborate with relevant functional and technical teams to gather detailed information on required equipment, goods, and services, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of business and technical needs Adhere to and implement Group and Regional Procurement policies Ensure alignment with technical specifications and project requirements Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives while optimizing the t otal cost of ownership for the o rganization Ensure all procurement activities are compliant with relevant legal, environmental, and regulatory requirements Monitor market trends, technological advancements, and industry best practices to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of engineering procurement, continuously Supplier Research, Identification and Registration on Vendor Database Conduct thorough research to identify and assess potential suppliers for required equipment, goods, or services Evaluate suppliers ' capabilities to meet business specifications, volumes, and delivery schedules Assess shortlisted suppliers and identify the most suitable candidates based on cost, quality, and delivery performance Request quotes and negotiate procurement terms, considering budget constraints and delivery schedules Prepare proposals for the business on selected suppliers, incorporating feedback from stakeholders and executing corrective actions until supplier approval or rejection is achieved Create and manage sourcing events on the SAP Ariba platform, analyse results, and finalize the award process Ensure all suppliers who will work on-site undergo appropriate vetting by the Environmental, Health, and Safety team, with mandatory Safety Files in place On-board successful vendors on the appropriate portal, namely Ariba and Outsmart Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to formulate and/or review service level agreements (SLAs) and contracts Resolve issues in the invoice workflow by providing support and following up as necessary Contract Management Lead negotiation efforts with suppliers to secure favourable terms, prices, and delivery schedules that align with business objectives Source goods through the cloud-based Ariba Platform, ensuring procurement is streamlined and efficient Draft and review contracts, ensuring they meet company policies, business needs, and risk mitigation strategies Resolve any discrepancies in specification and application, and escalate issues as needed to relevant stakeholders Monitor inventory levels to ensure alignment with business needs and initiate purchase orders when discrepancies arise Evaluate supplier performance regularly, as part of the Supplier Lifecycle Management and Performance (SLP) process, to ensure reliability and continued quality of service Build and nurture sound, long-term relationships with suppliers to drive sustainable procurement efficiencies and ensure high-quality service Oversee the contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance with terms and timely renewals or amendments as needed Address procurement risks related to supply chain disruptions, price volatility, and supplier performance issues to minimize impact on operations proactively Procurement Planning and Budgeting Formulate and/or review procedures, processes, and best practices in order to improve business efficiency and effectiveness for further approval Develop and implement sustainable procurement strategies for key materials, securing approval from senior stakeholders Monitor procurement spend on engineering, repairs, and maintenance goods and services against budget, and manage it to ensure adherence to financial constraints and optimizing spend