Partner Relations Manager

Job Purpose: Responsible for procurement of the companys products and services from regional vendors, in order to support internal stakeholders, by establishing and maintaining long-term beneficial relationships and strategies. The role supports sales and project teams in their growth and delivery objectives. Key Performance Areas:Procurement 30%Partner Relations Management 20%SLA & Credit Management 10%Stakeholder Management - Legal Compliance 10%Cost Savings - Supplier Changes 15%Cancellations 15% Competency Requirements for PositionKnowledge:Product knowledge of Ethernet, MPLS and Internet data solutionsKnowledge of ISP/data solution providers and markets across AfricaBasic knowledge of telco regulations and legislation in various countries Skills:Basic Cost-Accounting skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to build collaborative relationships with vendors for competitive advantageBasic Cost-Accounting skillsReport Writing skillsIntermediate skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) Behavioral:Strong negotiation skillsStrong Business AcumenAnalytical skillsAccurate, attention to DetailDeadline drivenPlanning and Organisational skillsInitiativeAbility to prioritizeProblem-solving skillsStress toleranceTeam player Minimum Qualification:Bachelors degree in commerce, supply chain or related tertiary qualificationProject management or service delivery background advantageous Minimum Experience: 5 years experience in telecommunications industry, data networking products (MPLS, Ethernet, WAN, etc.).Experience in procurement from international suppliers, predominately in Africa and Middle East (preferable) Other Requirements Valid passportWilling to travel internationally on an ad hoc basisPrepared to work overtime, if required Job Grade: D1 Key Stakeholder RelationshipsInternalFinanceProcurementOperationsSalesProject Managers,Quality AssuranceContract Manager. ExternalCustomersVendors/suppliersAttorneys Key Performance Areas & IndicatorsProcurement Request Pricing for all access sourcing to meet client requirements - Within 48 hoursEnsure services are sourced and negotiated at market-related prices or less.Drive Big Deal spreadsheet and work with CM's to provide final pricing. - Ownership of Pricing.Negotiate further discounts, based on Qualified requests and obtain official quotes for all requests at 100% probability. - Within 48 hours.Fully engage with Commercial Manager to confirm any technical requirements, SLA and delivery lead times for all qualified requests.Analyze and compare local access pricing received against existing price books. Partner Relations ManagementWork with suppliers, ensuring open and transparent communication of supplier feedback. - Effective cooperation between parties.Develop, review, and refine supplier score cards and procedures. - Performance metrics.Conduct Supplier reviews based on Score cards and implement PIP where needed. - Supplier scorecards.Leverage score card analytics to make data-driven decisions and recommendations to stakeholders and leaders. - Corrective action implemented.Manage and resolve supplier escalations from internal departments. - Accurate, timely identification of potential risks.Responsible for resolving Supplier invoice holds and payment issues from suppliers. - Assist the Finance Department SLA & Credit ManagementEnsure SLA criteria including penalties are in place with all vendors - Accurate feedback, on time, in the required formatAnalyze monthly SLA reporting received from QA for non- performanceNegotiate necessary credit note with the supplier based on SLA reportingObtain necessary credit note and ensure captured by Finance Stakeholder Management - Legal ComplianceEnsure onboarding Compliance document prior to commencing commercial discussions with potential supplier - RFI DocumentEnsure NDA agreement is in place prior to requesting pricing and sharing requirements to new potential suppliers - NDA AgreementManage and resolve supplier escalations from internal departmentsAssist Finance Department to resolve invoicing and billing disputesIssues resolved promptlyEnsure All legal compliances are in place prior to billing been received from new suppliers - MSA, SLA,Operating License Cost Savings - Supplier ChangesPresent commercial model to confirm feasibility and get the necessary approval from all depts - Derive commercial modelEnsure orders with suppliers are placed timeously for local access. - Double billing occurrencesEnsure existing circuits are cancelled timeously - No failed cancellationsEnsure providers have turn down the old link and billing has stopped - Close loop with Finance departments involvedDrive the various departments involved the ensure the migration is completed within the necessary timelines - Program management of Project plan with PM agreement CancellationsRequest cancellation terms from suppliers - All requests processed same day.Timeous and accurate processing of all requests on Sales tool and TWYNComplete the full cancellation process on TWYN including the confirmation that billing has stopped with the supplier. - Within an average of 2 days