Senior Category Specialist at Transnet

Position Purpose

• Provide thought leadership for developing Group-Wide category strategies across different operating divisions
• Compile the groupwide category strategy inclusive of all commodities in the category and lead the implementation of the transversal strategic sourcing initiatives within subcategory, including running the tender process and collating pack for adjudication evaluation and communicating award decision
• Develop all the enabling tools for the category such the cost modelling techniques, de-construction of cost structures and the category procurement index model
• Continuously identify cost saving initiatives for the Transversal categories and facilitate the groupwide implementation of the initiative
• Compile the negotiation strategy and tactics for the category procurement events.

Position Outputs
Role Overview 

• Provide expert support to subcategory management teams at group and all ODs for the specific categories to create a ‘fact-based’ decision making approach by leveraging all available data sources.
• Develop supplier market analysis protocols and perform supplier base assessment and visit as part of the extended Supply market analysis
• Develop and compile category sourcing plans for the group
• Implementation and continuous adaptation of category intelligence database and templates for dynamic cost models for the different subcategories to achieve best TCO alternatives
• Responsible for assisting in all aspects of the groupwide subcategory management process for all ODs, including but not limited to developing category strategies, monitoring performance and compliance, managing communications, and developing joint process improvement opportunities with all OD stakeholders
• Provide regular insights to all stakeholders in ODs pertaining to developments in supply markets ad and assumptions and future trends of the category
• Establishing category and subcategory cross-functional teams and subject matter expert (SME) technical forums for the transversal categories and associated commodities forums
• Developing the stakeholder management strategy for the category and incorporating the Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Facilitate and coordinate supplier relationships leveraging internal subcategory and supplier expertise to create a “healthy” interaction
• Provide coaching and training for other category specialist
• Keeping all subcategory stakeholders abreast with relevant industry trends and developments

Research / Analysis

• Assist Category Manager to analyse and report on supplier performance
• Provide analytical support for new targets and expectation

Category Management Support

• Drive category strategy / execution across the Procurement process
• Support on analytics as required to drive strategy in the subcategory, development of fact-based packs leading up to negotiations and contracting processes (cost models, cost drivers, should cost and TCO)
• Assist in internal process improvement efforts for plan creation and facilitation of results
• Support development of change management plans and communication plans

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Commerce is essential
• MBA or related postgraduate qualification advantageous
• 8-12 years of related operational category management/strategic sourcing experience
• PFMA, PPPFA and public sector
• Procurement experience
• Category specific operations experience (ICT or Engineering or Operations Management, etc.) will be advantageous
• MCIPS certification will be advantageous.

Competencies

• Strategy & Sustainability
• Inspirational Leadership
• Business Performance and Delivery
• Relationship Management
• Corporate Governance & Compliance Personal Mastery.

Deadline:23rd July,2025