Procurement Specialist

Position Summary

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for sourcing activities within the Purchasing Unit, including strategic sourcing, market research, supplier identification and evaluation, supplier pre-qualification, and supplier relationship management. The Procurement Specialist takes ownership of assigned sourcing and supplier management activities from initiation through completion, in accordance with the Procurement and Contracts Policy and Procurement Procedure Manual.

Responsibilities

• Conduct strategic sourcing activities, including market research and category scans, to identify potential suppliers and sourcing options that meet business requirements;
• Prepare and issue Requests for Information (RFI) to assess supplier capability, technology and market options ahead of formal procurement, and analyze and document RFI responses;
• Identify, evaluate and shortlist suppliers against defined screening criteria, technical requirements and delivery feasibility, recording a documented rationale for each recommendation.
• Lead supplier pre-qualification activities end to end: define the pre-qualification scope with the requesting department, issue invitations, screen submissions, verify supporting evidence (certificates, licenses, references), and compile results for approval.
• Own supplier relationship management for assigned categories, maintaining supplier records, engagement history and communication in the procurement system.
• Support supplier performance evaluation activities, applying the performance scoring instrument and documenting results and improvement action plans.
• Maintain the supplier database, ensuring supplier records, pre-qualification status and validity periods are accurate and up to date.
• Coordinate with the requesting department, Finance and HSSE, as applicable, to gather technical, financial and HSSE input for supplier evaluation and pre-qualification.
• Take ownership of assigned sourcing, RFI and pre-qualification activities from initiation through completion, escalating exceptions and preparing recommendations for review and approval by procurement management.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all sourcing, RFI and pre-qualification activity for audit and traceability purposes.
• Ensure all sourcing and supplier management activities comply with the Procurement and Contracts Policy, Procurement Procedure Manual, Procurement Standard and Delegation of Authority; and prepare periodic sourcing and supplier management reports for the Procurement Director as needed.

Competencies

• Communication skills: Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.
• Expertise and Technical Knowledge: Proficiency in Oracle ERP (or equivalent procurement/ERP system) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills for sourcing, supplier records and reporting.
• Expertise and Technical Knowledge: Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing, market research, RFx methods (particularly Requests for Information) and supplier pre-qualification practices.
• Analytical Skills/ Problem Solving/ Decision Making: Strong analytical skills to evaluate supplier capability, market data and screening criteria.
• Interpersonal/Group Skills: Strong interpersonal and relationship-management skills to build and maintain effective supplier relationships.
• Organizational Understanding and Global Thinking: Ability to apply category and market knowledge to practical sourcing decisions.
• Ownership & Initiative: Ability to take ownership of sourcing and pre-qualification activities from initiation through completion, working independently while collaborating with procurement management for review and approval.

Qualification

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management or a related field. Other degree holders will also be eligible assuming they have demonstrated ability and experience in sourcing or procurement.

Experience:

Minimum 3-6 years applicable experience in sourcing, procurement or supplier management.

Additional Requirement:

• Fluent English;
• Proficiency in Oracle ERP and Microsoft Excel.