Commodity Specialist

We are hiring!

At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.

We’re on the lookout for a Commodity Specialist to support management with the planning, execution, and control of the procurement process to meet customer expectations and company goals. Liaising with internal customers, management and suppliers to ensure smooth operational delivery.

As a Commodity Specialist, you will be responsible for:

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for tactical, non-strategic managed, products and as per sourcing strategy, framework and procurement policy.

• Perform analysis of business requirements such as supply markets, supply chains, demand patterns and commodity strategies.


• Negotiate optimum commercial agreements for short (one-year) and medium-term (three-year) contracts.


• Draft and conclude supply agreements and service level agreements for tactical, non-strategic managed goods and services. 


• Consult with the Legal department to draft supply agreements.


• Ensure that all materials and services are sourced and procured according to specification; following the procurement policy and/or as detailed in the sourcing strategy.


• Implement and/or follow effective expediting procedures and monitor non-compliance.


• Negotiate supplier payment terms unless already negotiated by commodity and/or sourcing managers.


• Compile motivations for deviation from standard payment terms.


• Maintain an effective supplier database.


• Develop existing suppliers to effectively reduce the total cost of ownership associated with the procurement of products and services.


• Monitor and track supplier performance against service level agreements including quality control where required.


• Identification of inventory and working capital reduction initiatives.


• Perform supplier audits as required.


• Implement, where required, stock management, sale of by-products and redundant spares.


• Analysis and interpretation of accounting data and transactions for budgeting process and variance reporting.


• Assist internal customers in identifying opportunities and engagement for ESD suppliers.

• Perform benchmarking on price, cost and supply chain effectiveness.


• Execute cost savings plans and track against targets.


• Develop business cases when required.


• Develop and maintain internal customer service relationships.


• Load and maintain contract pricing on the SAP system.


• Liaise with internal and external auditors.

What are we looking for?

• Relevant Degree or Diploma/ NQF Level 6-7


• A minimum of 5 – 8 years’ experience in industrial, procurement or materials management and Finance.


• Experience in the technical and/or manufacturing environment would be beneficial.


• SAP MM experience would be advantageous.