Procurement Assistant Packaging and Raws at The Beverage Company

Job Summary:

• The Procurement Assistant for Packaging Materials is responsible for supporting the direct procurement process and involves assisting with the sourcing of suppliers, obtaining price quotations, supporting the purchase to pay process, maintaining the masterdata records and conducting various analyses on the purchasing activity within the organization. The role works closely with the cross functional teams to ensure timely and cost-effective procurement of goods used in the manufacture of a range of products.
• Packaging Materials procured include but are not limited to: PET, Cans, Shrink Wrap, Pallet Wrap and Corrugates.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supplier Sourcing and Relationship Management: Assist in identifying potential suppliers, conducting market research, requesting samples and obtaining price quotations from suppliers. Collaborate with the procurement manager to evaluate supplier capabilities and develop a preferred supplier base, ensuring the preferential procurement strategy is executed. Participate in supplier business reviews evaluating supplier performance and assist with quality complaints resolution. Support in driving SLA and contract implementation and compliance with suppliers.
• Materials Management: Support the management of purchasing transactions with the end users at the respective plants. Lead the execution of a robust materials management program, to enable working capital reduction and improved cash flow.
• Purchase to Pay compliance: Maintain master data and support new vendor set up. Support the various end users in resolving pricing queries, delivery, or invoicing issues. Drive the adherence to the P2P process, by formalizing a user dashboard with finance and providing insight to management on compliance failures.
• Compliance and Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance to procurement policies, procedures, and regulations. Participate in quality assurance activities, such as supplier evaluations and audits, to ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Assist in analysing procurement data and generating reports related to purchasing activities, supplier performance, and cost savings. Provide insights and recommendations to improve procurement processes and cost efficiency. Collect market intelligence and share market trend analysis for top materials/commodities/services. Produce reports related to suppliers (scorecards, quality performance of raw materials
• (NCRs), supply chain failures, price variances etc. Compile monthly cost and performance update reports and presentations.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the ongoing improvement of procurement processes by identifying areas for optimization, proposing solutions, and implementing approved changes.

Key Focus Initiatives/Deliverables:
Cost

• Target % reduction in group R/Case and Previous Year Actual Spend by Area
• Market benchmarking analysis – local and global
• Target cost modelling – open book
• Reformulation and ingredient harmonization
• Packaging innovation

Cash

• Drive Just in Time and consignment stock best practices to reduce working capital and improve cash flow.
• Target payment term extension on high spend suppliers - > 60 days

Compliance

• Drive SLA contract execution and visibility on critical spend items/services
• Monitor supplier performance through scorecard system
• Drive service and quality adherence
• Lead the introduction of a supplier partnering programme
• Collaboration
• Identify, empower and support SME suppliers to build dedicated capacity and grow capability in line with TBC growth strategy
• Embed BBBEEE preferential procurement buying mentality in all functions
• Partner with suppliers to develop and explore new technologies
• Collaborate and drive sustainability in partnership with industry bodies – PETCO, Polyco, METPAC etc.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Year on Year Actual Spend R/Case Reduction
• Reduction of Supplier NCRs
• Creditors Days Improvement
• Working Capital Reduction
• Plastics Material Usage
• Supplier Reduction/Consolidation
• No. of Signed Service Level Agreements
• No. of Signed Enterprise and Supplier Development Agreements
• Execution of the Supplier Partnering Programme

Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

• 3-5 years’ experience in a similar position
• Procurement/Buying experience in FMCG is essential
• Negotiation experience is preferred
• Degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain Management or equivalent
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Enterprise system skills (SAP S/4HANA) preferred, or demonstrated systems capabilities
• Strong financial and commercial acumen
• Time management skillsValid driver’s license.

Personal Attributes:

• Solid knowledge of procurement principles, regulations, and best practices.
• Strong sense of urgency and dynamic problem solver under changing conditions.
• Strong presentation and written/verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to multitask effectively.
• Able to manage complexity in a dynamic work environment with ability to analyse data and convert to information to aid in decision making or project prioritization.
• Familiarity with inventory management systems and practices.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team orientated environment.
• Independent, motivated self- starter and goal orientated.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.