Specialist Procurement

In brief

**Overview** This Specialist Procurement role at South African Airways (SAA) is responsible for the formulation and execution of commodity-specific sourcing strategies. The primary objective is to reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for all commodities and services purchased by SAA. As a member of the Strategic Sourcing Team, the Specialist Procurement will also contribute to the optimization of the Global Supply Management function by participating in continuous improvement projects. **What you will do** * Provide input into the design of the department strategy, incorporating specialist expertise, best practice, benchmarking, and market standards. * Implement department strategy within your area of responsibility. * Recommend policies, processes, action plans, and systems to support strategy implementation. * Analyze cost drivers and provide recommendations on department profitability. * Support the management and control of budget in your area of responsibility. * Provide recommendations to actively support cost and headcount containment. * Manage a minimum of R100 million in direct and indirect Procurement spend and influence spend of ± R15 billion. * Be responsible for achieving a Procurement saving target of 20%. * Utilize resources efficiently within your area of responsibility. * Optimize technology to enhance internal and external customer expectations and implement processes to deliver customer value. * Drive customer centricity within areas of control. * Maintain effective internal and external stakeholder relationships through appropriate relationship building and networking. * Develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track supplier and commodity group performance. * Monitor, track, and report commodity TCO reduction performance to all relevant stakeholders. * Communicate and market commodity initiatives to all relevant stakeholders. * Enforce Governance and Risk Management policies, processes, and systems, ensuring good governance in commodity and contract management. * Ensure that Procurement spend is channeled to BBBEE suppliers where possible and adequately mitigate price escalations. * Align Strategic Sourcing initiatives with other Global Supply Management (GSM) functions of the Airline. * Deliver on regular and timely reporting of information to key stakeholders. * Prepare and present BAC submissions and report to the Manager Procurement on the status of responsible projects. * Demonstrate a firm understanding and ability to implement general commodity management principles. * Drive continuous optimization programs and initiatives, engaging in trend analysis, benchmarking, research, and best practice to support department optimization. * Manage projects to contribute to the optimization of the department/division. * Implement commodity-specific sourcing strategies. * Facilitate cross-functional sourcing teams (CFST) to focus on specific commodity TCO reduction and value creation initiatives. * Assess business requirements, end-user needs, and supply market capabilities for relevant commodity groups. * Facilitate the development of commodity standards where applicable with active end-user involvement. * Challenge end-user specifications; evaluate new products/services and analyze potential in supplier processes to reduce costs. * Obtain sign-off from the commodity sponsor for all commodity modules developed by the CFST. * Provide strategic input into key commodity contracts, managed by the Manager Procurement. * Act as an interface between the Airline’s end users and commodity suppliers/contractors, consultants, and service providers. * Review the overall effectiveness of strategies and identify continuous improvement opportunities. * Manage and administer the tender process in accordance with the Airline’s Procurement Policy, as well as the PFMA and PPPFA and/or any associated legislation, instruction notes, and regulations. * Actively support and adhere to people processes and plans to deliver on divisional objectives. * Provide support to team members to maximize productivity and development. * Implement change initiatives aligned with the vision and strategic direction of the Airline, and live and role model the Airline’s values. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * **Qualifications & Experience:** * Bachelor’s degree in Logistics/Supply Chain Management at NQF level 7. * Membership of a procurement / SCM professional body e.g MCIPS / SAPICS (will be an advantage). * 3 - 5 years’ aviation experience in a supply chain management or procurement environment. * Experience in strategic sourcing implementation. * **Knowledge and Skills:** * Knowledge of the Airline’s procurement policies, procedures, and guidelines. * Aviation industry knowledge and experience. * Supply management best practices knowledge. * Knowledge of Strategic Sourcing Methodology/Principles and its execution. * Knowledge of Commodity Management Best Practices. * SAP knowledge (e.g., relevant to Contract Management). * Procurement legislation (e.g., PFMA and PPPFA). * Interpersonal skills. * Analytical skills. * Negotiation skills. * Presentation skills. * Lateral thinking ability. * Results oriented. * Methodical. * Ability to handle pressure. * Team player. * Self-motivated. * Commercial acumen. * Financial acumen. **Who should apply** The ideal candidate is a results-oriented, methodical, and self-motivated team player with strong commercial and financial acumen, capable of handling pressure and demonstrating lateral thinking. This individual should be able to engage in crucial conversations, manage projects, and facilitate change and innovation. They are expected to implement and align with the company's vision, deliver value, appreciate team diversity, and role model appropriate behaviors and values. **Deadline** 14th October, 2026 **Reference** Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/specialist-procurement-south-african-airways-saa Source: myjobmag

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At a glance

• At least 3 years of experience.

• SAP

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