Head Category Procurement (Corporate Services) at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• To support the Chief Procurement Officer on a Group-wide basis on major Sourcing initiatives (over R5m in value) to lead the development and execution of commercial solutions targeted at realising significant value for Group whilst creating alignment with the service, category and supplier relationship management strategies.

Job Description

Key Accountabilities

• Act as the commercial lead on major business sourcing initiatives over R5m contract value
• Deliver category strategic sourcing initiatives by translating strategy and business requirements into executable projects, driving execution, removing road blocks, coaching and guiding team on deriving commercial value
• Develop category supplier development strategies to support the growth of Small Businesses and influencing supplier BEE transformation through positive change and governance in line with Group Policies and Frameworks
• Ensure sourcing tools are used properly by team, taking accountability for data quality and timely updates
• Partner and work closely with the relevant utility functions and Business Partners on all sourcing matters to drive delivery within agreed service levels
• Work cross-functionally with both internal and external stakeholders to build collateral relationships to capture and ensure commercial value for the Group
• Communicate commercial plans to Absa Group effectively working together with cross functional team members within business and Executives within Absa Group ( Everyday Banking, Relationship Banking, Product Solutions Cluster, Corporate Investment Bank, Africa Regional Operations, Information and Technology Office, Group Enterprise Functions) etc.
• Accountable for internal and external client satisfaction and for maintenance of client relationships
• Effective management of multiple key clients and associated companies and suppliers at Executive levels from a commercial perspective
• Motivate staff and ensure that their efforts are recognised at the appropriate levels via the standard Absa promotions and rewards process
• Create and ensure the delivery of the Category Management structure, identifying the priority areas in terms of Absa and Key Businesses alignment
• Ensure delivery of the agreed Cost Saving benefits through leading the Sourcing team in partnership with business
• Craft deal memos which succinctly articulate the commercial deal and contract commitments to facilitate timely business approvals
• Oversee the Commercial Management on appropriately identified deals or suppliers
• Ensure the sourcing process is followed for all contracts within the category including the completeness and operationalising contracts into SAP, Coupa and all relevant technology platforms.
• Perform people management functions, including but not limited to:
• workforce and recruitment
• demand planning
• recruitmenttalent management and succession planning
• mentoring and coachingmanagement of discipline and grievances
• performance development
• reward and recognition management
• Review and update the team under management organisation structure and role profiles regularly
• Ensure that Code of Good Practice targets are met for the team in terms of Diversity and Inclusion frameworks
• Ensure satisfactory service delivery and equal distribution of workloads in the teams
• Manage cost within approved budget
• Allocate duties to team members in order to achieve operational targets including prioritisation and work schedules
• Take accountability for the monitoring and achievement of performance objectives in the department in terms of the balanced scorecard and department KPIs and Work with the team to address shortcomings during the next month and track performance variances and determine the root causes of errors and remedial solutions
• Implement productivity improvement measures by coaching staff on any new processes or areas for improvement
• Escalate any major issues identified to the Chief Procurement Officer

Accountability:  LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

Outputs to deliver this accountability:

• Support CPO in establishing strategic direction for the wider team and leading own team accordingly
• Lead, manage, develop and motivate direct reports to achieve high performance - provide focus, assignments, motivation, support and coaching, rewards and recognition
• Provide clarity of direction and focus to team members and operate appropriate leadership and management disciplines with direct reports to achieve Business goals
• Manage team performance, undertaking personal reviews to reflect achievements against targets and agree continuous improvement
• Analyse performance and skill gaps. Agree development requirements and training plans
• Assist in the delivery of the Procurement team succession and talent planning
• Ensure Personal Development Plans are complete, training plans executed, and that training effectiveness is monitored.
• Provide active leadership and support across wider commercial community within the Bank to enable effective team performance

Accountability: RISK MANAGEMENT

Outputs to deliver this accountability:

• Drive the delivery of all commercial and contractual elements of major sourcing initiatives in line with Group Procurement Policy and relevant standards and best practice sourcing methodologies and ensuring all commercial, financial, operational, transformational and strategic considerations are optimised.
• Review, create and ensure delivery of the Contract Management strategies in line with the ERMF, ORMF, Compliance and Regulatory requirements, e.g. Supplier Control Obligations, SARB Guidance Notes pertaining to Outsourcing and Third Party Risk Management.
• Ensure compliance to policies, legislation and regulations and that staff compliance training and attestations are in place.
• Ensure sourcing is in line with organisational and external governance by ensuring the use and implementing of the relevant standards.
• Ensure appropriate engagement of the Commercial Legal team on all contracts to meet business needs and mitigate risks.

Accountability: PREFERENTIAL PROCUREMENT, ENTERPRISE AND SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT

Outputs to deliver this accountability:

• Develop category supplier development strategies to support the growth of Small Businesses and influencing supplier BEE transformation through positive change and governance in line with Group Policies, Frameworks and Legislation.
• Drive the delivery of all commercial and contractual elements of approved supplier development initiatives.
• Review category supplier development initiatives performance and ensure delivery of the contracted spend with SMME’s
• Ensure appropriate engagement of the relevant internal and external stakeholders to meet business needs and mitigate risks.

Role/Person Specification

Education and Experience Required

Minimum Requirements:

• B.Com degree or relevant commercial equivalent or engineering degree or equivalent NQF level 6 qualification or higher
• Ten (10)+ years sourcing⁄procurement⁄supply chain experience
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) and the Internet
• No criminal record

Preferred Requirements:

• Preference will be given to South African Citizens and permanent residents of South Africa in possession of proof of permanent resident status

Competencies:

• Deciding and initiating action
• Persuading and influencing
• Analysing
• Creating and innovating
• Applying expertise and technology
• Formulating strategies and concepts
• Delivering results and meeting customer expectations
• Presenting and communicating information

Knowledge & Skills:

• People Management (Advanced)
• Financial Modelling (Advanced)
• International Sourcing Knowledge (Expert)
• Persuading and Influencing (Advanced)
• Coaching and Mentoring (Advanced)
• Problem Solving (Advanced)
• Strong Commercial Contractual Knowledge (Expert)
• Analytical Skills (Advanced)
• Risk Management (Advanced)
• Communication Skills (Advanced)
• Project Management (Advanced)
• Supplier Relationship Management (Advanced)
• Enterprise and Supplier Development (Advanced)

Education

• Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)