Assistant Operations and Supply chain Manager Port Elizabeth

Job Summary: Assist in the procurement of goods and services for a manufacturing plant, ensuring cost-effectiveness, quality, and timely delivery. Main responsibilities included developing purchasing strategies, managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and assisting in supervising a team of purchasing staff. Also contributed to inventory management, cost control, and risk mitigation. Duties and Responsibilities: Assist in Developing Purchasing Strategies: Contributed to creating and implementing purchasing policies and strategies aligned with organizational goals and budget. Supplier Management: Assisted in identifying, evaluating, and selecting suppliers based on quality, price, and reliability, while maintaining strong relationships with existing vendors. Contract Negotiations: Involved in or solely conducted negotiations on contracts, pricing, and delivery terms to secure optimal value. Inventory Management: Worked closely with inventory control teams to determine optimal stock levels, reduce waste, and ensure timely material availability. Cost Control: Monitored purchasing expenses, identified cost-saving opportunities, and supported management of the purchasing budget. Quality Assurance: Ensured that all procured goods and services met required quality standards and specifications. Team Supervision: Assisted in supervising and mentoring purchasing staff, delegating tasks, and guiding purchasing processes. Risk Management: Identified potential supply chain risks and helped develop mitigation strategies. Record Keeping: Maintained accurate and up-to-date records of purchases, contracts, and supplier information. Regulatory Compliance: Ensured purchasing activities were compliant with relevant regulations and internal policies. Daily Operations Oversight: Oversaw daily departmental operations in the absence or on behalf of the department manager, ensuring efficient workflow and task completion. Process Optimization: Identified inefficiencies in operational processes and implemented improvements to enhance productivity and reduce costs. Resource Management: Managed personnel, materials, and equipment to maximize resource utilization and minimize waste. Quality Control: Implemented and monitored quality control measures to ensure deliverables met required standards. Team Building: Planned and facilitated team activities, promoting a collaborative and productive work environment. Strategic Planning: Supported the development and execution of operational strategies aligned with broader business objectives. Compliance Management: Maintained adherence to company policies, safety regulations, and industry standards. Reporting: Prepared and presented performance and progress reports to senior management. Cross-Functional Communication: Ensured clear and effective communication with internal departments and stakeholders to support cohesive operations. Ad Hoc Duties: Performed additional functions as required, based on the needs of the department or organization. Key Skills and Competencies: Strong Negotiation and Communication Skills: Proven ability to interact effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders to secure favorable terms and maintain alignment across departments. Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Skilled in analyzing procurement data, identifying trends, and making strategic, data-driven decisions. Leadership and Management Abilities: Experienced in supervising teams and overseeing day-to-day purchasing and operational functions. Procurement Knowledge: Well-versed in procurement principles and best practices, including sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management. Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and various purchasing and ERP software systems to manage procurement workflows and reporting. Inventory and Supply Chain Management: Hands-on experience in managing inventory levels and understanding end-to-end supply chain operations. Operations Management: Background in optimizing operational efficiency and aligning supply chain functions with broader business objectives. Language Proficiency: Bilingual in English and Mandarin, enabling effective communication across diverse suppliers and stakeholders. KPA (Key Performance Indicator): · Attendance· Communication· Problem Solving· H&S· Negotiation skills Personal Attributes: · Accuracy· Attention to detail· Good Understanding of business operations· Interpersonal skills