Director – Procurement Sourcing SSA

The Role:

Responsible for establishing and driving the SSA sourcing strategy and initiatives, optimizing procurement processes, and ensuring the efficient acquisition of goods and services to support the organization's operational needs. Manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and implement cost saving measures while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance. Collaborate closely with cross functional teams to align sourcing strategies with business goals, drive continuous improvement, and contribute to the overall success of the Region by securing competitive advantages through effective procurement practices. Support the alternative energy sourcing strategy in alignment with global and regional sustainability goals. Develop and implement localization, indigenization, and preferential procurement processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the HR agenda, including the effective management of workforce planning, recruitment, learning and development, performance management, reward and recognition, talent management, and employee relations in line with Group policies and procedures.

• Develop and implement regional procurement strategies and roadmap that align with global and regional business objectives.

• Lead sourcing initiatives to achieve cost savings, improve quality, and ensure timely delivery.

• Ensure procurement activities align with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.

• Identify, set, and communicate the pipeline of initiatives in collaboration with direct reports and senior leaders from various business units within the organization.

• Set strategic objectives for tender management, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

• Process Governance: Establish and enforce standardized tender management processes and best practices.

• Review and Approval: Oversee the preparation, evaluation, and negotiation of tenders, ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements.

• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with the tendering process.

• Develop and implement supplier performance management systems to ensure high standards of quality, delivery, and service.

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to foster collaboration and innovation.

• Support direct reports in negotiating contracts and manage supplier agreements to ensure favorable terms and conditions.

• Support direct reports in driving supplier performance and support regions/countries in offsetting performance gaps including but not limited to value tracking

• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and ethical standards.

• Identify and mitigate risks associated with procurement activities.

• Manage audits and implement corrective actions as necessary.

• Establish and maintain effective contract management templates in collaboration with the legal department.

• Ensure all contracts are comprehensive, compliant, and effectively managed throughout their lifecycle.

• Ensure direct reports manage any potential risks in the various contracts under management.

• Address legal and contractual matters promptly in consultation with business and Legal department.

• Liaise with internal and external auditors on audit findings and conflict of interest throughout the source-to-contract process.

• Negotiate and ensure contracting for key critical contracts.

• Act as liaison between suppliers and internal customers.

• Develop and manage the procurement budget, ensuring alignment with financial targets.

• Monitor and report on procurement performance, including cost savings and value creation.

• Implement cost-control measures and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

• Support the identification and engagement of stakeholders during strategy development and sourcing execution projects.

• Forge and influence stakeholders on procurement processes across various departments and levels.

• Act as an interface between global procurement and local procurement operations teams.

• Provide insights on procurement analytics to support operations teams.

• Prepare stage gate documentation and facilitate communication with suppliers on policies and procedures.

• Perform analysis of business requirements such as supply markets, supply chains, demand patterns, and commodity strategies.

• Drive sustainability and governance initiatives within procurement activities.

• Promote and help achieve Group Procurement BBBEE preferential procurement, enterprise development and localization/indigenization objectives and targets.

• Report regularly on progress and compliance with these requirements.

• Provide input and actively participate in the implementation and management of procurement automation tools to streamline tender management, improve efficiency, and reduce manual errors.

• Specification Requirements: Contribute to the development of specification requirements for automation tools to ensure they meet the needs of the procurement function.

• Technology Implementation: Oversee the integration of new technologies into procurement processes, ensuring seamless adoption and usage.

• Training and Support: Provide training and support to the procurement team on new automation tools and technologies to maximize their benefits.

• Monitor the performance of automated systems to ensure they are functioning as intended and providing the expected benefits.

• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement team by encouraging innovative thinking and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies.

• Monitor industry trends and emerging practices to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of procurement excellence.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree/University degree or equivalent qualification

• Post-graduate qualification would be advantageous 

• Professional certification in procurement (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) is highly desirable. 

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in procurement, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within a regional/global diversified entity with a deep knowledge of regional procurement. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a high-performing team. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to support all levels of the organisation, especially core strategic relationships. 

• Strong knowledge of regional procurement best practices, market trends, and regulatory requirements. 

• Experience with procurement technology and systems (e.g., ERP, e-procurement platforms). 

• Proven experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and contract negotiation. 

• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful strategies and achieving cost savings in a sustainable manner. 

• Strong understanding of procurement best practices, compliance, and risk management. 

• Able to perform long-term strategic planning.  

• Excellent problem-solving and financial analysis skills. 

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 

• Leadership and people management 

• Strategic thinking and planning 

• Negotiation and contract management 

• Supplier relationship management 

• Financial acumen 

• Risk management and compliance 

• Analytical and problem-solving skills 

• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement 

• Strong communicator 

• Ability to build and nurture strategic relationships, internally and externally 

• Strong collaborator 

• Results oriented