Assistant Procurement Manager

Roles and responsibilities

The Assistant Manager – Procurement plays a key role in managing sourcing activities, developing category plans, and ensuring procurement aligns with business needs. Reporting to the Manager – Procurement, this role independently handles tenders, supports the development of sourcing strategies, and drives procurement initiatives to achieve cost savings, mitigate risks, and enhance supplier performance. The Assistant Manager collaborates with stakeholders across the business to ensure efficient procurement execution and continuous improvement of processes.

Job Description

1. Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned categories to align with business objectives.
2. Lead end to end tender processes, including supplier identification, RFx development, bid evaluation, and contract negotiation.
3. Conduct detailed spend analysis and market research to identify cost saving opportunities and inform category plans.
4. Support the development of category strategies by gathering data on spend trends, supplier performance, and market conditions.
5. Collaborate with business units to understand procurement requirements and translate them into actionable sourcing plans.
6. Manage supplier relationships, ensuring performance meets agreed KPIs and SLAs, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
7. Identify and address risks in the supply chain, implementing mitigation strategies to protect business operations.
8. Ensure procurement processes adhere to policies, compliance standards, and best practices.
9. Track and report on key procurement metrics, such as cost savings, supplier performance, and compliance.

People Management

1. Provide guidance and mentoring to junior team members, helping to develop their procurement skills and expertise.
2. Foster strong collaboration across internal teams to align on procurement initiatives and ensure smooth project execution.
3. Coordinate with cross-functional stakeholders to manage procurement activities and resolve issues promptly.

Functional/Technical Competencies

1. Strong understanding of strategic sourcing, category management, and tendering processes.
2. Analytical skills to conduct spend analysis, supplier assessments, and market benchmarking.
3. Proficiency in contract negotiation and supplier performance management.
4. Experience with procurement systems and ERP platforms for managing sourcing activities and procurement data.
5. Knowledge of procurement policies, compliance frameworks, and risk management strategies.

Desired candidate profile

1. Procurement and Sourcing Knowledge
   1. Vendor Selection: Identifying and selecting suppliers based on factors such as price, quality, and delivery capabilities.
   2. Market Research: Conducting market research to identify potential suppliers and assess the competitive landscape for goods and services.
   3. Contract Negotiation: Assisting in the negotiation of terms and conditions with suppliers to ensure favorable pricing, delivery terms, and quality standards.
   4. Supply Chain Understanding: Understanding the entire supply chain process, from sourcing to delivery, and managing any related risks.
2. Cost Management and Budgeting
   1. Cost Optimization: Ensuring that the procurement process is cost-effective while maintaining quality standards.
   2. Budget Management: Assisting in the creation and monitoring of procurement budgets, ensuring that purchases stay within budgetary limits.
   3. Financial Analysis: Analyzing pricing and cost trends, assessing the financial stability of suppliers, and recommending strategies to reduce procurement costs.
3. Supplier Relationship Management
   1. Building Supplier Partnerships: Developing and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers to ensure reliability, quality, and timely deliveries.
   2. Supplier Performance Monitoring: Tracking supplier performance, addressing any issues related to quality, delivery, or pricing, and working towards continuous improvement.
   3. Conflict Resolution: Handling supplier disputes or issues in a professional and constructive manner to maintain a positive working relationship.
4. Negotiation Skills
   1. Price Negotiation: Assisting in negotiating pricing terms and conditions to ensure the best possible deals for the organization.
   2. Contract Terms: Negotiating favorable contract terms, such as payment schedules, delivery timelines, and warranties, to mitigate risks and ensure smooth transactions.
   3. Problem-Solving: Addressing any negotiation challenges with suppliers and working towards mutually beneficial solutions.
5. Supply Chain and Inventory Management
   1. Inventory Control: Assisting in managing inventory levels to ensure that there is no overstocking or stockouts, optimizing the flow of materials and goods.
   2. Demand Forecasting: Collaborating with other departments to forecast demand and plan procurement needs accordingly, ensuring timely availability of goods and materials.
   3. Logistics Coordination: Ensuring that goods are delivered on time and in accordance with agreed terms, coordinating logistics and transportation needs.
6. Compliance and Risk Management
   1. Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that procurement practices comply with relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies, including health and safety, ethical sourcing, and environmental standards.
   2. Risk Mitigation: Identifying potential procurement risks, such as supplier delays, quality issues, or geopolitical factors, and developing strategies to mitigate these risks.
   3. Audit and Reporting: Assisting in audits of procurement activities and ensuring accurate and transparent reporting of procurement processes.
7. Data Analysis and Reporting
   1. Procurement Reporting: Assisting in preparing procurement reports, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), and presenting data to management for decision-making.
   2. Data-Driven Decision Making: Using data and analytics to support procurement decisions, monitor supplier performance, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
   3. Contract Performance Monitoring: Evaluating the performance of contracts and suppliers based on key metrics like delivery time, product quality, and cost.