What will you do as a Procurement Specialist?The Procurement Specialist will responsible for and play a crucial role in maintaining positive vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, and contributing to the overall success of the organisation through strategic procurement practices.The successful incumbent will also be required to develop and implement comprehensive category strategies aligned with organisational goals and objectives.The Procurement Specialist will report directly to the Manager: Sourcing & Procurement. What do we expect from you as a Procurement Specialist?Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.Proven experience as a Procurement Specialist or in a similar role.In-depth knowledge of procurement regulations, best practices, and market trends.Strong negotiation and communication skills.Excellent organisational and multitasking abilities.Proficient in using ERP Systems and Google Docs What does your day look like?The Procurement Specialist will be responsible for the buying and ordering of goods, services and other expenditures for the Operating Company (e.g. machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies and services) in line with the procurement policy and contracts.The Procurement Specialist will also be responsible to ensure availability of the specified goods and services according to the functional, budget and planning requirements of the internal customer / budget owner.Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and potential risks within assigned categories. Your core responsibilities are:Strategic SourcingIdentify potential suppliers, conduct negotiations, and secure advantageous terms and conditions.Develop and implement strategic procurement plans to achieve cost savings and improve overall efficiency.Evaluate and analyse supplier proposals, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and standards. Category Strategy DevelopmentStrategic Planning:Collaborate with key stakeholders to understand the organisation's overall business strategy and goals.Translate business objectives into actionable procurement strategies for specific categories, considering market dynamics, industry trends, and internal requirements. Market Analysis and Research:Conduct thorough market research to understand current and emerging trends within assigned procurement categories.Analyse market conditions, supplier capabilities, and potential risks to inform strategic decision-making. Demand Forecasting:Work closely with internal departments to forecast demand for products and services within the assigned categories.Anticipate changes in demand patterns and adjust procurement strategies accordingly. Opportunity Identification:Identify opportunities for consolidation, standardisation, and leveraging economies of scale within the category.Explore innovative solutions and technologies that can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of procurement processes. Lifecycle Management:Develop strategies for managing the entire lifecycle of products and services within the category, from initial sourcing to end-of-life considerations.Implement sustainable procurement practices and consider environmental, social, and ethical factors. Risk Mitigation:Assess potential risks associated with the supply chain within the category, including geopolitical, economic, and operational risks.Develop risk mitigation strategies to ensure a resilient and robust supply chain Continuous Improvement:Implement a continuous improvement mindset within the category, regularly reviewing and refining procurement strategies based on performance metrics and feedback.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify areas for improvement and innovation. Performance Metrics and KPIs:Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the success of category strategies.Regularly monitor and report on the performance of procurement activities within the category. Collaboration and Communication:Work closely with cross-functional teams, including finance, operations, and quality assurance, to align category strategies with broader organisational goals.Communicate effectively with stakeholders to ensure understanding and buy-in for category strategies.Foster a collaborative and transparent environment to share information and insights. Budgeting & Cost ControlSupport the Manager Sourcing & Procurement in performing spend analyses, contract analyses, categories review and proposes actions & initiatives to include in the annual budget process.Monitor and control procurement-related costs, identifying opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality.Implement cost-effective sourcing strategies to optimise budget allocation. Contract Management Ensure in consultation with manager S&P the proper implementation and follow-up of relevant procurement contractsFacilitate visibility and availability of contractsEnsure that supplier contracts are managed in line with the specifications of the Procurement Policies and principles (compliance).Evaluate and improve use of contracts and decide on contract development together with stakeholders (e.g. termination or modification) Supplier ManagementEstablish and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers.Evaluate vendor performance, addressing any issues or discrepancies in a timely manner.Negotiate contracts, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Performance Measurement Understand and periodically measure and analyse processes and their performance/results by measuring global and local KPIs (e.g. P2P, savings, contractor safety, etc.).Provide recommendations to improve the performance. Management & ImprovementSupport in the continuous improvement by understanding and analysing processes, identifying and implementing process improvement actions.