Sourcing Specialist (6 months Fixed Term Contract) at Massmart

About the job

• The Sourcing Specialist is responsible for executing low- to medium-complexity sourcing initiatives across designated indirect spend categories by delivering timely, cost-effective, and policy compliant procurement support to internal stakeholders through standardised sourcing processes, fact-based supplier evaluations, and efficient RFP management.
• The role is also required to ensure executional excellence in strategic sourcing projects while providing support in the operationalisation of category strategies.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Sourcing Project Execution

• Lead end-to-end execution of assigned medium-to-low complexity strategic sourcing projects from initiation through contract finalization.
• Draft detailed project plans and timelines; track execution to ensure stakeholder expectations are met.
• Run the 7-Step sourcing process in SAP Ariba, including RFP creation, bid evaluation, and contract award.
• Conduct fact-based negotiations, analyze supplier quotes, and recommend vendor selections using defined evaluation criteria.
• Collaborate with Legal to ensure accurate reflection of commercial and compliance terms in contracts.

Category Strategy Support & Data Analysis

• Perform detailed data analysis (e.g., spend, benchmarks, commodity trends) to generate actionable insights.
• Support the development of category strategies by providing total cost of ownership (TCO) views and supplier cost driver analysis.
• Provide support in drafting and validating detailed business requirements in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Generate standard reporting for tendering, commodity market updates, and multi-project status tracking.

Supplier Relationship and Risk Management

• Manage supplier relationships at the project level, ensuring performance tracking and contract compliance.
• Identify supplier risks, assess exposure, and execute project-level mitigation actions.
• Contribute to Preferential Procurement and Supplier Development initiatives in line with Massmart objectives.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Manage internal customer relationships for sourcing projects, ensuring clear alignment on requirements, timelines, and expectations.
• Support implementation and communication plans related to procurement initiatives.
• Drive engagement across cross-functional stakeholders to promote sourcing efficiency and consistency.

Process Adherence and Continuous Improvement

• Monitor adherence to ISM procurement methodologies and compliance standards.
• Proactively identify opportunities to streamline sourcing processes and templates in SAP Ariba.
• Contribute to ISM maturity through knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and engagement in communities of practice.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree / Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain/ Engineering/ Business/ Commercial, Operations Management/ Information Technology related qualification.
• Honours or Postgraduate degree in Supply Chain/ Engineering/ Business/ Commercial, Operations Management/ Information Technology related qualification advantageous.
• CIPS Level 5+ (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply), PMP (Project Management Professional), SCMP (Supply Chain Management Professional), Business Process Management, or Analytics Certification advantageous.

Experience:

• 4+ years of experience in strategic sourcing/ supply chain/ Indirect Spend Management (GNFR), preferably with proven experience in Indirect Spend Management (GNFR).
• Experience with e-sourcing tools (e.g., SAP Ariba) and ERP systems.
• Experience in conducting fact-based negotiations and supplier analysis.
• Indirect Spend Management experience is preferred.

Competencies

• Proficient in utilizing e-sourcing tools such as SAP Ariba.
• Advanced Excel skills for complex data analysis, cost breakdowns, quote comparisons, and scenario modeling.
• Strong working knowledge of ERP systems (e.g., SAP)
• Ability to perform data analysis and validate insights.
• Proficiency in project management tools for developing and tracking project plans.
• Basic knowledge of contracting principles
• Familiar with tools and sources for conducting supplier market and competitor analysis.
• Knowledge of supply risk identification and mitigation techniques at the project level.
• Proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint
• Ability to provide TCO and commodity cost driver views for specific projects.