Employer: Regal Distributors SA (Pty) Ltd The Procurement Manager is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that ensure the timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services. This role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, ensuring compliance with company policies, and optimizing procurement processes to support business objectives. The Procurement Manager is a strategic team leader responsible for the organization’s entire acquisition lifecycle. The primary goal is to secure the highest quality goods and services at the most cost-effective prices while mitigating supply chain risks. Strategic Sourcing: Identifying, evaluating, and onboarding reliable suppliers that align with company goals, including sustainability and quality standards. Contract Negotiation: Leading complex negotiations to secure advantageous terms, pricing, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Spend Analysis & Budgeting: Monitoring expenditures to identify cost-saving opportunities, managing the departmental budget, and reporting financial performance to executives. Risk Management: Developing contingency plans for supply chain disruptions, such as shortages or logistics delays, through strategies like dual sourcing. Team Leadership: Supervising and mentoring a team of buyers or procurement specialists, setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the department. Process Optimization: Managing and optimising digital procurement tools (ERP/MRP systems and demand planning platforms). Introduction The Procurement Manager is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that ensure the timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services. This role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, ensuring compliance with company policies, and optimizing procurement processes to support business objectives. The Procurement Manager is a strategic team leader responsible for the organization’s entire acquisition lifecycle. The primary goal is to secure the highest quality goods and services at the most cost-effective prices while mitigating supply chain risks. Strategic Sourcing: Identifying, evaluating, and onboarding reliable suppliers that align with company goals, including sustainability and quality standards. Contract Negotiation: Leading complex negotiations to secure advantageous terms, pricing, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Spend Analysis & Budgeting: Monitoring expenditures to identify cost-saving opportunities, managing the departmental budget, and reporting financial performance to executives. Risk Management: Developing contingency plans for supply chain disruptions, such as shortages or logistics delays, through strategies like dual sourcing. Team Leadership: Supervising and mentoring a team of buyers or procurement specialists, setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the department. Process Optimization: Managing and optimising digital procurement tools (ERP/MRP systems and demand planning platforms). Duties & Responsibilities * Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with overall business objectives. * Manage the end-to-end procurement process, including sourcing, negotiation, contracting, and supplier performance management. * Identify cost-saving opportunities and drive continuous improvement in procurement operations. * Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration. * Monitor market trends and competitor strategies to inform procurement decisions and maintain a competitive edge. * Ensure full compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal policy requirements across all procurement activities. * Prepare and manage procurement budgets and forecasts to support financial planning and control. * Lead, mentor, and develop the procurement team to enhance capability and performance. * Enhance the company’s BEE procurement score by engaging with accredited suppliers and promoting inclusive sourcing practices. * Develop an accurate forecasting model for stock requirements, incorporating seasonal demand fluctuations. * Source relevant order information from stock shock reports and WSO backorder reports to inform purchasing decisions. * Maintain regular communication with the warehouse to ensure alignment on stock levels and delivery schedules. * Negotiate optimal pricing and terms with suppliers to maximize value. * Stay informed of supplier specials, discounts, kickback schemes, and settlement terms to leverage cost advantages. * Keep the sales team and branches updated on supply challenges, stock changes, and product upgrades. * Liaise with the Operations Director regarding supplier price increases and new product evaluations. * Coordinate the timing of large order deliveries to minimize disruption to warehouse operations. * Communicate with the Inbound Manager regarding the arrival times of large deliveries. * Source special or replacement items as needed to meet operational requirements. * Continuously seek out the best products at the most competitive prices. * Generate and submit monthly procurement reports for management review. * Assist in stock takes to ensure inventory accuracy and accountability