An automotive OEM company based in Pretoria is seeking for a Senior Commodity Cost Specialist to be based in Pretoria.Key Responsibilities:Lead the sourcing of various commodities to support the manufacturing / production, identify capable suppliers, initiate the Request for Quote process, and negotiate prices, tooling cost and engineering design change cost.Prepare decision paper (recap) for the recommended quotation to be implemented and place the Purchase Orders accordingly.Lead cost reduction initiatives contribute to the overall International Markets Group Customer Service Division purchasing cost reduction target and ensure set targets are met.Seek out for possible low-cost country sourcing opportunities.Search for cost saving opportunities through sourcing directly from manufactures and cutting out middle men.Conduct market tests for key commodities for the region, participate in Total Value Management''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s and make use of cost estimators to keep the part price at the lowest level possible at any time.Lead buyer for developing commodity business plan for key commodities like Batteries and Oil products.Support various cross functional teams, Marketing, Planning, Quality, Warranty, Engineering and Parts Supply & Logistics for the efficient project executions and realization of possible cost saving opportunities.Maintain sourcing contracts for the responsible service parts.Support Supply Chain Management team for any supply issues due to commercials, Tool issues and Minimum Order QuantityEnsure all process are audit compliant.Support GAO audit as needed.Maintain a close relationship with production purchasing/ OE counterparts, Joint Ventures, Supplier Technical Assistance and Supply Chain Management.Proactively participate in cross functional projects (mainly Parts Supply & Logistics) or multi-national teams (e.g., Purchasing processes across regions) as required by the business.Adhere to the Purchasing processes, stay in line with the levels of authority and ensure audit compliance.Support Purchasing Manager in Senior Management report outs.SourcingQuality Q1 Process and Key drivers for Q1 attainment o Supplier Site Assessment o Materials Management Operating Guidelines (MMOG) o Parts Per Million (PPM) Understanding of the Warranty Process, Recovery Mechanism Waste EliminationCost Financial Accounting and Management Cost Estimating Benchmarking Policies, Regional Incentives, EUFTA Commodity Costing o Basic 8 bin analysis o End to End Cost Attach, (BBB) Bill of Process/Bill of Design/Bill of Material, Lean Manufacturing Process (GEMBA) o Material Utilization Development (MUD Process) o Running a Business Case (BC) - Time Adjusted Rate of Return (TARR), Return on Investment (ROI) CalculationsDelivery Negotiation, Leveraging (Scale, Scope) Tools and systems for Supply chain Management Value Stream Map Supplier manufacturing Process Supplier Profile (Sales split and technology) Waste Elimination (Six Sigma, Green Belt Projects)Risk and Relationships Proactive Risk Management Effective Supplier Account Management Financial Statement Analysis Industry and Market Trends Project ManagementDesired Experience & QualificationNational Diploma or Degree in Purchasing/Engineering/B. Com./CommercialMinimum 5 years working experience in relevant disciplines and previous automotive purchasing experience would be a distinct advantage.Flexible and willing to travel to supplier locations.Focus, Excellence and CollaborationTime Management and TeamworkWell-developed written and verbal communication skills to effectively discharge job duties. Full understanding of commodity fundamentals, which influence product cost, piece price, quality, performance, and capacity.Well-developed business acumen and finance knowledge to ensure that accurate sourcing decisions are made.Ability to manage change and conflict. Resilience and AdaptabilityExcellent analytical and problem-solving skills including good communication skills.Good Interpersonal Communication and Business Etiquette, Strong verbal, and written communication skillsGood presentation and computer skills