Head of Procurement

Malander is seeking an experienced Head of Procurement for a client. This position is preferably based in Cape Town, but Johannesburg would be considered with occasional travelling to project sites and supplier facilities as required. The Head of Procurement will play a crucial role in designing, implementing and overseeing all aspects of procurement within the organisation. The role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, exceptional negotiation abilities, and an understanding of the renewable energy sector's supply chain dynamics. Key responsibilities:
Develop procurement strategies

• Develop and implement procurement strategies that align with the company's objectives, focusing on cost optimisation, quality assurance and sustainability initiatives;
• Ensure procurement process are efficient, transparent and compliant with market best practice;
• Develop and present procurement strategies for review and alignment to the company’s strategy.

Build and Lead Procurement Team:

• Recruit, train and develop a high-performing procurement team;
• Define roles and responsibilities, and foster a culture of accountability and collaboration with in the team and across internal and external stakeholders;
• Set annual performance objectives and manage team performance to ensure that they achieve of the company’s strategy and employee development goals;
• Provide mentorship and guidance to team members to support their professional growth.

Establish Processes and Policies:

• Design and implement procurement processes, policies, and procedures;
• Standardise procurement workflows to optimise efficiency and ensure consistency;
• Develop guidelines for vendor selection, contract negotiation and purchase approval;
• Collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, finance and other stakeholders to align procurement activities.

Vendor Management and Relationship Building:

• Oversee vendor selection, evaluation and contract negotiation processes;
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliable, costeffectivesourcing, timely delivery and adherence to specifications.

Sourcing and Cost Optimisation:

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives to identify new suppliers and expand vendor networks;
• Implement process to identify sourcing requirements early in the business development process to assist with cost optimisation and achievement of company strategy;
• Ensure early supplier involvement in cost management initiatives to ensure achievement of associated targets;
• Provide support in analysing requests for proposals and preparing recommendations that are legal, ethical and demonstrate value for the organisation.

Supply chain management

• Develop and implement supply chain strategies aligned with organisational objectives;
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand demand forecasts and requirements;
• Develop contingency plans to address supply chain disruptions;
• Implement supply chain visibility tools and systems to track the movement of goods and identify potential bottlenecks.

Risk Management:

• Identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in the supply chain and develop mitigation strategies.

Implement Technology Solutions:

• Assess and implement procurement technology solutions to streamline processes and improve visibility and control on both procurement spend and initiatives;
• Leverage e-procurement platforms, spend analysis tools, and supplier management systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness;
• Analyse and implement improvements to ensure the most efficient use of systems to reduce- risks, costs and improve time efficiency;
• Provide training and support to team members to maximise the utilisation of procurement technologies.

Ensure Compliance:

• Establish and enforce compliance standards related to procurement practices and regulations;
• Ensure adherence to legal requirements, ethical standards and company policies.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure procurement performance;
• Develop reporting mechanisms to track KPIs, analyse trends and communicate insights to senior management;
• Identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions to enhance procurement effectiveness.

Drive Continuous Improvement:

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement department;
• Encourage innovation, creativity, and best practices to optimise procurement operations;
• Solicit feedback from stakeholders and implement initiatives to enhance efficiency and effectiveness;
• Work closely with the business development technical department to ensure any new industry and project innovation specification are addressed timeously;
• Stay informed about market trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation in procurement processes, supply chain management and processes to enhance efficiency and reduce expenses.

Budgeting and Financial

• Set annual budget and manage spend of the department budget in line with budgeting parameters;
• Prepare monthly reports indicating progress on key performance objectives;
• Prepare forecasts of procurement spend to support forecasting for the business.

Sustainable Development

• Develop and implement Enterprise and supplier development strategies and initiatives;
• Promote transformation throughout procurement;
• Review and support local content strategies across operating jurisdictions.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree and professional certifications;
• Proven experience (8+ years) in procurement and supply chain management, preferably within the renewable energy sector or similar industries, with a track record of successfully building procurement departments, designing and implementing strategies, policies and procedures;
• Preferably with a strong understanding of renewable energy technologies, equipment and materials, with the ability to anticipate market trends and identify strategic sourcing opportunities;
• Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers;
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving organisational change initiatives;
• Proficiency in procurement software, ERP systems, and data analytics tools to streamline procurement processes and optimize decision-making.