About the position
Position: Manager: Procurement Operations and Systems
Location: Gauteng
Purpose of the Job
As the Procurement Operations Manager, the successful incumbent will play a pivotal role in overseeing procurement operations and managing supporting technology systems across our multinational operations. Reporting to the Commercial Procurement Manager (CPM), the incumbent will ensure that procurement operations are streamlined, compliant, and aligned with the company's strategic goals while maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of procurement systems across all locations.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee day-to-day procurement operations for Africa, including the processing of purchase orders, requisitions, vendor onboarding and life cycle management.
- Ensure standardised procurement processes are followed across all operations, including support for transactional activities in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Kenya, while navigating diverse regulatory environments and compliance with the companies' packaging group procurement policy.
- Collaborate with Category Managers to execute sourcing strategies and framework agreements.
- Monitor procurement performance metrics (e.g., cost savings, supplier reliability, compliance rates) and provide regular reports to the CPM as well as responsible category managers.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency and reduce operational costs.
- Manage the implementation, maintenance, and optimization of e-procurement platforms, supplier management systems, and data analytics tools, driving digital transformation in procurement.
- Ensure procurement systems are integrated across all locations in the region, providing real-time spend visibility and data-driven insights.
- Lead the Procurement Operations and Analysis team, including buyers, BBBEE administrator and Procurement Analyst. Provide training and support to procurement staff on the use of procurement systems and tools, including country-specific processes.
- Oversee system upgrades, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure data security and integrity. Take ownership for reviewing and ensuring that system authorisations are being used in the appropriate manner and report on risks. Liaise with IT and other departments to ensure procurement systems are integrated with broader company systems (e.g., ERP, finance systems).
- Utilise data analytics to track procurement performance, identify trends, and support decision-making and the implementation of category strategies.
- Develop and maintain dashboards and reports that provide insights into spend, supplier performance, and operational efficiency.
- Work closely with the CPM and Category Managers to leverage data for strategic sourcing and procurement planning.
- Support country-specific procurement coordinators by providing system access, training, and analytical support.
- Ensure procurement operations comply with group and company policies, local regulations, and ethical sourcing standards.
- Manage risks related to procurement systems, including data security and system reliability.
- Support audits and ensure procurement data is accurate and readily available for review.
- Ad hoc procurement and supply chain related projects.
Qualifications and experience:
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related field with Honours or similar professional qualifications.
Experience, Knowledge & Skills: - Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in procurement, with at least 3 years in a managerial role overseeing procurement operations and systems.
- Proven experience managing supplier management systems and procurement analytics tools.
- Experience in a multinational or multi-site organization, particularly in Africa, is highly desirable.
- Proficiency in procurement software (e.g., SAP, SAP Ariba, Coupa, Oracle Procurement) and data analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Advanced Excel and Python).
- Strong understanding of procurement processes, contract management, and supplier relationship management.
- Knowledge of data security and compliance requirements in procurement systems.
Desired Skills:
- Procurement management
- supplier management
- risk management
- data analysis
- compliance
- project management
