Supplier Relationship Manager

Overall Purpose of the Job:

The Supplier Relationship Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers to ensure the smooth flow of goods and services, optimize supply chain efficiency and drive cost savings. This position involves a strategic approach to managing the company's interactions with its vendors, in matching suppliers' capabilities with the company's business objectives and ensuring that the flow of goods and services aligns with the organization's quality, cost, and delivery expectations.

The aim is to create a stable, responsive supply chain that supports the organization's objectives and market demands, fostering an environment of collaboration and continuous improvement. Through these activities, the Supplier Relationship Manager plays an essential role in supporting the company's goals and enhancing operational effectiveness.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree (Supply Chain and Operations / MCIPS / equivalent)

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years experience in supplier relationship/ contracts management.

Minimum of 2 years experience in Shared Services.

Minimum of 2 years experience with supervision of staff

Duties:

1. Supplier Relationship Management:

• Manage ongoing relationships with suppliers on the preferred list, ensuring they meet performance, quality, and compliance expectations and fostering collaboration.
• Manage the supplier onboarding process, ensuring all necessary documentation and certifications are obtained and maintained.
• Lead development and execution of supplier evaluation scorecards, and performance metrics and conduct ongoing supplier performance reviews.
• Provide feedback, and address issues to maintain or improve supplier relationships and performance.
• Resolve disputes and manage conflicts with suppliers in a timely and effective manner to minimize impact on business operations.
• Maintain supplier engagement during contract execution, focus on performance monitoring, compliance with contract requirements, and facilitate communication.
• Support the tender process by providing supplier insights, managing communications with potential suppliers, and ensuring supplier capability fits strategic needs.

2. Supplier Contract Monitoring & Reporting:

• Monitor supplier performance and compliance with contractual obligations and drive value maximization
• Ensure alignment by utilizing the analytics provided by the Data & Reporting Analyst to benchmark supplier prices against the terms specified in actual supplier contracts
• Work with suppliers to track and report ESG performance, encourage supplier compliance with ESG standards, and integrate feedback to procurement.
• Report on vendor/supplier compliance.

3. Supplier Vetting, Risk & Compliance:

• Conduct regular reviews and audits of supplier practices and processes.
• Support vetting by collecting performance intelligence and managing risk during contract execution.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with supplier reliability and product quality, implementing contingency plans as necessary.
• Ensure all suppliers comply with regulatory compliance i.e. trade certificates, POPIA, not listed on sexual offenders list, etc.
• Monitor supplier financial stability and escalate financial concerns

4. Continuous Improvement:

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers, focusing on process enhancements and cost reduction strategies.
• Analyse market trends and supplier performance data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide training and support to internal teams on supplier management best practices.

5. Staff Leadership:

• Lead and motivate staff member to achieve agreed objectives and foster growth
• Ensure that new employees are onboarded and employee roles and responsibilities are clarified, and performance objectives are set and monitored
• Ensure appropriate levels of support and capacity is in place to meet business demand/requirements
• Drive staff engagement and provide inspirational, collaborative and supportive leadership for the team
• Manage and conduct performance reviews in accordance with policies and procedures and take corrective action where necessary. Provide continuous feedback to direct reports.
• Ensure staff member receives the necessary training and resources to provide high-quality customer service and technical support
• Manage people in accordance with policies, procedures and legal requirements
• Manage diversity and drive the achievement of Employment Equity targets
• Accept and live the company values and enable and model healthy employee relations and collaborative teamwork.

Skill Requirements:

• Intrapersonal Skills.
• Analytical Skills.
• Proven problem solving.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Leadership skills ( able to influence others).
• Conflict Handling & Resolution.