Principal Category Sourcing

MTN, a globally recognised employer brand is looking for a Principal Category Sourcing to join their team. As Principal Category Sourcing, you will be in charge of consolidating RFx demand for end-to-end execution of RfX within the parameters set by the Strategic Procurement team, taking into account the goods/services package, RfX type and approach, business requirements, list of suppliers, etc. Will work with the Principal Strategic Categories to develop the category strategy.

Key Activities & Responsibilities

• Together with CoE and POD Global Leads, oversee the framework development and practices.
• Participate in the forecasting, planning, and creation of the demand plan for the relevant category in collaboration with the demand planning team.
• By conducting market research on topics including supply market structure and dynamics, leading category tactics, price structures, opportunities, and threats, you may contribute to the development of best market practices.
• Oversee the complete planning and execution of RfX within limits and objectives
• Drive the negotiation and selection of the best suppliers to be given the corresponding contracts based on the parameters and goals specified for the RFX in accordance with the corresponding strategic category concept.
• To ensure efficient cost management, challenge supplier pricing when necessary and reduce system costs.
• Oversee the creation of SOWs and business requirements for any initiatives that have been approved, under the direction of the corresponding Principal Strategic Category and other pertinent business stakeholders. In case of differences, follow up with business stakeholders to modify or alter the SoW.
• Verify the accuracy of the documentation for the relevant RFx, the selected suppliers' scores, the DoA's compliance with scoring, and any revisions or amendments that need to be made in accordance with the policy or processes.
• Initiate contract formation by working with associate supplier performance & contract management and providing evaluation results.
• Support the relevant Principal strategic category in the development of their strategies (e.g., strategic goals, strategic options, and an implementation plan) while working in sprints, and be in charge of the creation of standard SSH SCM documents and reports.
• Oversee the identification of suitable RFx preparation and release actions to be conducted and break them down into outcomes for the sprint planning and review. Additionally, coordinate with the demand planning team and other counterparts for related inputs and recommendations.
• Participate in daily stand-ups and offer suggestions for eliminating bottlenecks found during the category sourcing process.
• Oversee the identification of RFx process improvement opportunities and improve the approval process
• driving the creation of recurring reports on category savings and reporting to the appropriate parties
• Generate ad-hoc reports regarding the vendor base, market rates, etc. as requested by the relevant Principal Strategic Category.
• Interact with the team to support them by offering your knowledge and expertise.

Education

• A bachelor's degree in supply chain management or a related field is required (telecom network engineering is a plus).
• Supply Chain Management postgraduate degree or equivalent professional certification (Preferred)

Experience

• 7-11 years of relevant working experience
• 3-5 years experience in either as a purchasing officer/ purchasing agent/category buyer and/or similar procurement-related role
• Experience in building sourcing calendars and vendor sourcing practices (researching, evaluating and liaising with vendors)
• Proper understanding of the network vendors and pricing strategies prevalent in the market.
• Knowledge of new trends and techniques in supply chains and telecom
• experience managing category sourcing while employed at a medium-sized to large business
• ARIBA, SAP, or other major ERP System experience (Preferably Oracle)

Industry / Certifications (Advantageous):

• Professional Scrum Master (PSM) certification
• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)