My client is a leading organisation in the logistics industry in southern Africa, with operations in a number of centres in South Africa and neighbouring countries.  Activities include a wide variety of businesses associated with sea and land freight, as well as trading in related products.  Procurement in this multi-divisional organisation is decentralised and fragmented. 

Although top management believes that there may be an opportunity to reduce the (total) cost of operations through improved procurement, the business units are autonomous and the successful candidate will, therefore, be expected to demonstrate the benefits of a co-ordinated procurement function within the largest division by winning the trust and support of divisional top and line management.

Over and above all the requirements normally associated with such a senior management role in procurement, the successful candidate should, inter alia:

• Be a self-starter and a strong leader;
• Be prepared to travel extensively in southern Africa in order to build relationships with line management in the operations;
• Based on his/her observations in the business, be able to formulate strategies aimed at reducing cost and improving safety in the work-place;
• Possess the skills and personality to articulate such strategies concisely and clearly to line and top management;
• Have the ability to convince line and top management of the desirability of the proposed actions and to gain their support for the proposed strategies;
• Be able to remain positive, motivated and objective when challenged about the feasibility of proposed actions;
• Be able to give effect (implement) the proposed strategies, if approved; and
• Measure and give feedback on the results achieved (against the objectives set) and propose and implement corrective action where necessary.

As should be evident from the above, the successful candidate will be an expert in procurement with a proven track record in implementing procurement strategies aimed at improving the profitability or other important operational aspects of a large multi-operation organisation.  If you believe that will be successful in the position described above AND have completed a three-year or longer tertiary qualification relevant to the procurement function at a reputable institution (CIPS certification will be advantageous), you should apply as indicated below.  Please do not e-mail me unless you have a specific question, or have difficulty in applying.

Please note that this position is open to South Africans only.