At Vertiv, we build products that keep critical technologies running 24/7. We are proud we were the first to protect mainframes with precision cooling systems. We were the first to introduce an integrated enclosure system to distributed networks. We help some of the largest names in the industry bring new capacity online faster and at a lower cost when search and social media increased demand for storage and computing. Our portfolio spans power, thermal and infrastructure management products, software and solutions, and is complemented by a network of nearly 250 service centers worldwide.
We are now looking for a Supply Chain Manager to join our team in Johannesburg, South Africa.
You will be working as Purchasing and Logistics Manager Africa and will be the part of Vertiv Africa Division based in Midrand, South Africa. In this role you will be reporting to the Operations Director Africa and will be responsible to lead a team of procurement and logistics specialists to execute purchasing and logistics strategies that support the business by optimizing costs, quality, and reliability of suppliers and supplied products. Ensure execution in accordance with Vertiv Supply Chain Management (SCM) instructions and procedures
What kind of work will you be doing?
- Implements effective sourcing strategies in line with business strategy and regional/global, continuous improvement process sourcing strategy to ensure that suppliers have the capability and capacity to meet current and future business requirements
- Ensures all relevant parties understand strategies and execute processes accordingly, ensures alignment between local SCM activities and the SCM centers, collaborates with proposal, project and category teams to determine necessary items for procurement during the project, develops schedules, estimates, forecasts and budgets to support project purchasing process
- Implements programs to drive improvement in cost, quality, delivery and working capital (payment terms, lead times, order quantities and purchased material inventory), secures full utilization of pro-supply global supplier relationship management platform according to relevant procedure, both related to sharing of supplier information and to finding existing high performing suppliers to Vertiv.
- Manages planning and tracking of procurement activities, cost budgets, country spending and savings forecasts, ensures buyers minimize risk regarding quality and financial exposure by buying in accordance with quality and commercial procedures and in accordance with company guidelines
- Oversees delivery process to ensure that cost, quality and delivery time meet project expectations, ensure appropriate supplier selection, defines and establishes local standard agreements with all major suppliers, provides and maintains standard terms in purchase contracts/terms and conditions in line with company directives and guidelines.
- Managing specific projects, documents general and special conditions for use on all project purchase documents, project procurement procedures, and project procurement plans and ensures compliance. Ensures (with HR Manager support) that the area of responsibility is properly organized, staffed, skilled and directed
- Guides, motivates, and develops direct and indirect subordinates within HR policies and Group Operations Management excellence guidelines (knowledge management, functional training, etc.), coordinates SCM talent management and succession planning within assigned area
- Negotiates agreements with main suppliers, and periodically renews price lists, terms and conditions, ensures identification, investigation, and selection of appropriate suppliers (focusing on quality, delivery, cost and sustainability) in accordance with Company policies
- Responsible for forecasting with all suppliers. Responsible for stock takes and inventory management in accordance with relevant ITO targets.
- Recognized training and certification in Project Management.
- University or Technical College degree in Electrical, Electronic or Mechanical engineering.
- Degree in Supply Chain Management or Business Management or equivalent
- 10+ years experience required in a Mid to Senior Management Role
- Manufacturing, and supply chain / logistics experience (including imports/exports).
- Lead end to end competitive bids and negotiations, manage and oversee supplier qualifications, relationships including supplier contract management and maintain costs budgets and business KPIs
- Have knowledge dealing with African cluster countries and collaboration with various internal stakeholders from sales to operations to ensure smooth project execution
- Strong communication skills to work effectively with group management, suppliers, and contractors
- Leadership in managing difficult situations and work under pressure.
- Ability to marshal resources to achieve desired results.
- High level of organizational skills.
- English language - excellent verbal and written communications skills.
