Specialist Procurement

Job Purpose

The Specialist Procurement is responsible for the formulation and execution of commodity specific sourcing strategies. The effort aims at the reduction of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of all commodities and services purchased by SAA. 

As part of the Strategic Sourcing Team, the Specialist Procurement is required to contribute to the optimisation of the Global Supply Management function by participating in projects aimed at continuous improvement.

Additional Information

SAA is using an online recruitment tool.  Applicants are required to complete an individual registration profile capturing essential personal and career selection criteria.  Applicants must please note that they only need to complete the online registration once and thereafter they can update their online profiles as and when necessary. 

PLEASE NOTE: The onus are on applicants to ensure all mandatory fields are completed.  Incomplete online profiles will be disqualified from the application process.  Online profiles are used for screening and shortlisting purposes.   A CV is only for verification and record keeping purposes.  Applicants need to ensure that their online profiles are completed with correct and current information.  Incomplete sections can disqualify applicants from the screening and selection process. 

This applies to all internal and external applicants.

• Provide input into the design of the department strategy taking into account specialist expertise, best practice, benchmarking and market standards etc.
• Implements department strategy within area of responsibility
• Recommends policies, processes, action plans and systems to support implementation of the strategy
• Analyse cost drivers and provide recommendations on profitability of department
• Support the management and control of budget in area of responsibility
• Provide recommendations to actively support cost and headcount containment
• Manage minimum of R100 million of direct and indirect Procurement spend and influencing spend of ± R15b
• Responsible for Procurement saving target of 20%
• Utilises resources in area of responsibility
• Optimise technology to enhance internal and external customer expectations
• Implements processes to deliver customer value
• Drives customer centricity within areas of control
• Maintain effective internal and external stakeholder relationships through appropriate relationship building and networking
  • Develop Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) to track supplier and commodity group performance
  • Monitor, track and report commodity TCO reduction performance to all relevant stakeholders
  • Communicate and sell commodity initiatives to all relevant stakeholders
• Enforce Governance and Risk Management policies, processes and systems
  • Ensure good governance in all aspects of commodity and contract management
  • Make certain that, where possible, Procurement spend is channelled to companies BBBEE suppliers
  • Ensure that price escalations are adequately mitigated
  • Align Strategic Sourcing initiatives with other GSM functions of the Airline
• Deliver on regular and timeous reporting of information to key stakeholders
  • Preparation and presentation of BAC submissions
  • Report to Manager Procurement on the status of projects responsible for
  • Firm understanding and ability to implement general commodity management principles
• Drive continuous optimisation programmes and initiatives
• Engage in trend analysis, benchmarking, research, best practice to support optimisation of department
• Manages projects to contribute to the optimisation of the department/ division
• Implement commodity specific sourcing strategies
• Facilitate cross functional sourcing teams (CFST) to focus on specific commodity TCO reduction and value creation initiatives
• Assess business requirements, end-user needs and supply market capabilities for the relevant commodity groups
• Facilitate the development of commodities standards (where applicable) with active end-user involvement
• Challenge the end-user specifications; evaluate new products / services and analyse potential in supplier processes to reduce cost/s
• Obtain sign-off from the commodity sponsor for all commodity modules developed by the CFST
• Provide strategic input into key commodity contracts, managed by the Manager Procurement
• Act as an interface between the Airline’s end users and commodity suppliers/contractors, consultants and service providers
• Review the overall effectiveness of strategies and identify continuous improvement opportunities
• Manage and administer the tender process in accordance with the Airline’s Procurement Policy as well as the PFMA and PPPFA and/or any associated legislation, Instruction notes and regulations
• Actively supports and adheres to people processes and plans to deliver on divisional objectives
• Provides support to team members to maximise productivity and development
• Implements change initiatives with the vision and strategic direction of the Airline
• Lives and role models the Airline’s values

• Knowledge of the Airline’s procurement policies, procedures and guidelines
• Aviation industry knowledge and experience
• Supply management best practices knowledge
• Knowledge of Strategic Sourcing Methodology/Principles and its execution
• Knowledge of Commodity Management Best Practices
• SAP knowledge (e.g. relevant to Contract Management etc.)
• Procurement legislation (e.g. PFMA and PPPFA)
• Interpersonal skills
• Analytical skills
• Negotiation skills
• Presentation skills
• Lateral thinking ability
• Results oriented
• Methodical
• Ability to handle pressure
• Team player
• Self-motivated
• Commercial acumen
• Financial acumen

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics/Supply Chain Management at NQF level 7
• Membership of a procurement / SCM professional body e.g MCIPS / SAPICS will be an advantage
• 3 - 5 years’ aviation experience in a supply chain management or procurement environment
• Experience in strategic sourcing implementation

• Engages in crucial conversations
• Manages projects
• Facilitates change and innovation
• Implements and aligns to vision
• Delivers value
• Values team diversity
• Role models behaviours and values