Description:
• The Purchasing Officer plays a critical role in ensuring
the uninterrupted supply of raw materials, consumable
goods, Maintenance, Repairs and Operations (MRO),
crtical spares and services essential for the
production process.
• It involves proactive communication and collaboration
with internal and external stakeholders to meet
operational and financial objectives.
• Responsible for optimal onsite Inventory stock holding
from both a financial and operational perspective
• Manage and execute buying process for all buying
transactions (on and off contract)
• Manages expediting activities
• Ensure governance and compliance to procurement
controls and standards
• Accountable for effective procurement and continuous
optimization
• Ensure that all purchase requests are vetted against
the catalogue and that sub-groups are assigned and
initiate end-user application for new MID’s
• Vendor onboarding and masterdata management
• Provide support and coaching to end-users –
accountable for end-user procurement capability,
onboarding, system’s access, etc.
• Adhere to safety and quality standards and promote
world class practices
• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement,
Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPSM, or similar) are highly
advantageous.
Experience
• A minimum of 5 years in procurement, preferably in a production or
manufacturing setting.
• Experience in supplier negotiations, cost management, and inventory
optimisation.
• Proven ability to handle large procurement budgets and manage multiple
procurement projects simultaneously.
Responsibilities
Job Requirements
Role intent
Procurement Operations
• Adopt Group defined procurement strategies aligned with
organisational objectives and production demands.
• Liaise with production and inventory teams to forecast material
requirements.
• Leverage Illovo identified suppliers and materials to improve
quality and reduce costs.
• Issue, manage, and track purchase orders (POs) to ensure timely
and accurate delivery.
• Resolve issues related to incomplete, damaged, or delayed
deliveries.
Inventory and Stock Control
• Work closely with inventory teams to ensure stock levels align with
production requirements.
• Develop and implement stock optimisation strategies, minimising
stockouts and excess inventory.
• Conduct periodic reviews of inventory turnover to identify and
address inefficiencies.
Market and Cost Analysis
• Conduct market research to stay updated on raw material prices,
trends, and supplier capabilities.
• Analyse procurement data to identify cost-saving opportunities and
propose strategies to Group Procurement and management.
• Benchmark pricing and terms against industry standards to ensure
competitiveness.
Purchasing Officer reporting to Supply Chain Manager
Compliance and Risk Management
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies,
ethical practices, and industry regulations.
• Monitor and manage risks in the supply chain, including potential
disruptions, price fluctuations, and supplier insolvencies.
• Maintain accurate procurement records for audits and reporting
purposes.
Continuous Improvement
• Participate in or lead projects aimed at improving procurement
processes, tools, and systems.
• Identify inefficiencies and recommend process improvements to
enhance performance.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies in procurement, such as
AI or predictive analytics, and propose adoption where beneficial.