Procurement Excellence Manager

Purpose of the Role

• Build the procurement operating system that enables consistent strategy execution, performance management, specification standardisation, digital adoption, process excellence, capability development and measurable functional maturity across IFS Africa.
• The role covers procurement strategy deployment, operating model, process design, digital enablement, performance/KPIs, analytics governance, capability and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

2.1. Key Accountabilities

• Translate the Strategic Sourcing Executive’s strategy into a multi-year procurement transformation roadmap and annual operating plan.
• Design and continuously improve the end-to-end procurement operating model, process architecture and RACI.
• Own functional KPI definitions, performance cadence, benefits methodology and executive reporting standards.
• Lead procurement digitisation, workflow automation, e-sourcing adoption and data-quality improvement.
• Develop procurement maturity assessments and prioritise interventions to move the function toward best-in-class performance.
• Establish standard playbooks, toolkits and ways of working for sourcing, negotiation, SRM and contract management. Work with the business to standardise specifications for effective strategic sourcing.
• Lead capability assessment, learning pathways, succession planning and professionalisation of the function.
• Drive lean process improvement to reduce sourcing and approval cycle times while strengthening controls.
• Coordinate cross-functional transformation initiatives and ensure benefits are embedded after implementation.
• Create a culture of fact-based decision making, continuous improvement and disciplined performance management.

2.2. Decision Rights

• Set procurement process and performance standards.
• Sponsor improvement initiatives.
• Challenge inefficient practices.
• Recommend digital investments and operating-model changes.

2.3. Governance & Risk

• Ensure transformation does not weaken controls, fragment data or create shadow processes.
• Maintain documented process ownership and change governance.

2.4. World-Class Function Expectation

• Create a scalable procurement management system that combines CIPS-aligned capability, digital workflow, reliable data and a relentless focus on measurable business outcomes.

2.5. Digital & Data Expectation

• Use approved procurement technology, structured data and digital workflows as the default way of working.
• Maintain high-quality data at source and actively identify automation opportunities.

2.6. Key Interfaces

• Strategic Sourcing Executive, procurement leadership, Finance, IT, HR, Operations, market leadership, Group procurement and technology/service partners.

2.7. Team Management

• Lead and develop staff within the context of the applicable labour legislation.
• Monitor staff performance and provide regular feedback, including informal and formal staff appraisals.
• Coach and support staff where necessary to achieve objectives.
• Manage staff administration issues, including leave, time management and interaction with the wider business.
• Manage and deliver on succession plans to enable the development of a future generation of leaders and specialists and ensure optimal turnover and retention levels are maintained.
• Champion staff training and development through the utilisation of available training opportunities or contributing to the development of new training solutions in collaboration with national training specialists.

2.8. Teamwork and Self-Management

• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and activities and demonstrate effective self-management in terms of planning and prioritising, and self-development.
• Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of work are consistently and accurately maintained.
• Inform relevant parties in the event of tasks or deadlines not met, the potential risks thereof and provide appropriate resolution.
• Support and drive the business core values.
• Manage colleagues and client’s expectations and communicate appropriately.
• Demonstrate willingness to help others and “go the extra mile” to meet team targets and objectives.
• Champion training and development of self and others through utilising available training opportunities.
• Participate in and drive regular performance appraisals and ensure that own targets and goals are clear and achievable.

Qualification and Experience

• Relevant bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Commerce or equivalent.
• Postgraduate qualification in Business, Supply Chain, Strategy, Analytics or Transformation advantageous.
• CIPS/MCIPS, Lean/Six Sigma, project or change management certification advantageous.
• 8 to 12 years’ experience in procurement and engineering with strong experience in transformation, operating-model design, performance management, analytics and change implementation.
• Valid Code EB drivers' licence
• Willingness to travel to the sites across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Preference will be given to internal applicants and appointments that support the achievement of our Employment Equity and Affirmative Action goals