Category Specialist - Durban
Job Description
Are you ready to take on a dynamic role that drives strategic procurement initiatives within our organization? We'reseeking a skilled Category Specialist to forge strong partnerships with external and internal stakeholders, optimizeprocurement efficiency and ensure top-notch procurement strategies. Here's your chance to make a significant impact in our company's success. As a Category Specialist, you will collaborate closely with production managers, sales & marketing teams, and other departments to understand their needs and expectations for Indirects commodities Engineering spares, Capex items, Consumables, Services) . Your mission is to develop and implement procurement strategies that align with their objectives, maximizing category value and supplier performance.
- Conduct thorough analyses of market offering within the Indirects category to ensure cost competitiveness.
- Evaluate suppliers' performance and identify improvement opportunities.
- Foster transparent and trusting relationships with key suppliers through open communication and collaboration
- Engage suppliers early in the sourcing process to leverage their expertise for cost-effective outcomes.
- Lead the development, implementation, and review of procurement strategies for the category spend area.
- Research and identify innovative procurement solutions to enhance overall efficiency.
- Manage sourcing projects, negotiate price agreements, and oversee contract terms and SLA's to optimize
- commercial benefits. Develop sourcing strategies to support cost down initiatives and security of supply.
- Provide monthly updates on key projects to the Category Manager and Procurement Director.
- Three years tertiary qualification in Procurement or similar field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a procurement environment with exposure to category management.
- Experience in sourcing Engineering spares, Equipment, General Services, and Logistics Services would be
- advantageous
- Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, JDE, and other core tools.
- Strong skills in supplier relations management, project management, and negotiations.
- Behavioral traits including attention to detail, interpersonal skills, task-oriented behavior, assertiveness, and motivation.