Specialist: Business Relationship & Vendor Management (6 months fixed term contract) at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• The ideal candidate will be an experienced Specialist: Business Relationship & Vendor Management equipped with a robust background in procurement, strategic sourcing, and supplier management—specifically within banking and financial services sectors. This is a six-month contract in the Supplier Management team, part of Human Capital.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive compliance through best practices and policy updates.
• Manage supply dependencies across the sourcing lifecycle.
• Transition commercial arrangements to live operations post-award.
• Assess supplier capabilities using quantitative and qualitative data.
• Ensure contracts comply with company standards, legal requirements, and Absa Group Limited policies.
• Analyze internal and external data as needed.
• Draft and maintain strategic supplier management documents.
• Compile and assess statistical data for supplier reports
• Support with negotiation analysis.
• Promote supplier diversity and preferential procurement.
• Conduct market research and benchmarking in collaboration with Sourcing teams
• Implement and monitor procurement cost-saving measures cross functionally
• Navigate procurement systems and manage documentation.
• Maintain commercial compliance and monitor monthly MI received from Suppliers.
• Stay updated on regulations and coordinate with Internal Audit and Compliance.
• Enforce financial, regulatory, and strategic supplier policies.
• Adhere to applicable Absa policies manage records for commodities and suppliers.
• Cascade analytics to support business improvement.
• Structure contracts to meet business needs and drive improvement.
• Review contracts with legal compliance.
• Analyze supply markets and propose cross-functional strategies.
• Submit timely project and supplier updates.
• Administer contracts and maintain central repositories.
• Understanding of RFx processes (RFP, RFQ, RFI) and ability to analyze and present outcomes.
• Proficiency in SLAs and deliverables-based contracting.
• Ability to communicate supply base capabilities across channels.
• Risk management, both internal and external

Key Competencies:

• Comprehensive understanding of the entire supply chain process, including both pre- and post-contract stages
• Collaborative supplier performance evaluation.
• Strong stakeholder and supplier relationship building.
• Team development and continuous improvement mindset.
• Ad hoc reporting and analysis aligned with team goals.
• Cross-team collaboration for strategic enhancements.
• Delivery of cost, quality, service, and innovation benefits.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Organizing forums for innovation and process improvement.
• Strong negotiation and presentation skills.
• Expert level efficiency in Microsoft Excel and MS-Word.
• Strong computer literacy (Power Point) and Microsoft Office Suite is required.
• Teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups, stakeholders across functions, and cultures.
• A team member that can also operate independently with an ability for problem solving.
• Adeptness in overseeing complex supplier relationships, contract negotiations, and strategic sourcing that support organizational objectives.
• The preferred candidate will also exhibit strong cross-functional collaboration skills, advocate for supplier diversity, and consistently deliver measurable value through innovation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s qualification, preferably in Business, Commercial, Supply Chain, Business, Business Economics, Economics, Finance, or accounting fields or equivalent.
• CIPS / MCIPS qualification will be an advantage

Experience:

• 3 to 5 years of experience in procurement in a banking sourcing/supply chain environment.
• Experience in contract administration and compliance monitoring.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex supplier relationships and drive performance improvements.
• High level analytical and communication skills required (written & verbal).
• Proven track record of enhancing supplier performance, optimizing cost structures, and maintaining strict compliance with regulatory requirements and internal governance policies.

Education

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

End Date: October 24, 2025