Procurement Operations Lead

Job Title: Procurement Operations Lead Location: Midrand, South Africa (Office‑based; no hybrid model) Reporting To: Chief Financial Officer Role Purpose This is a procurement transformation leadership role, not a demand planning or transactional procurement officer role. The Procurement Operations Lead is responsible for designing, building, and embedding a fully centralized procurement function. The role requires a hands‑on yet senior, commercially strong procurement leader who has previously implemented structure, driven transformation, and operated effectively in regulated environments. This leader will move the organization from a decentralized, fragmented procurement model into a unified, mature, and high‑performing function aligned with global governance, systems, and standards. Key Responsibilities 1. Procurement Transformation & Operating Model Design Design and embed a centralized procurement operating model. Lead the transformation from a decentralized structure to a unified, professional procurement function. Build procurement governance frameworks, policies, controls, and reporting standards. Own and lead the Ariba implementation, integration, and adoption across the business. Implement SAP/Ariba‑based processes, data structures, and compliance controls. 2. Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Value Delivery Lead strategic sourcing/recruitment initiatives across categories and business units. Deliver measurable cost savings and value through sourcing strategy, supplier consolidation, and contract optimization. Perform commercial negotiations at senior levels with local and international suppliers. Drive supplier performance, quality, and reliability improvements. 3. Governance, Compliance & External Representation Build and enforce robust procurement governance, audit readiness, and S2P compliance. Represent the Procurement function to auditors, regulatory bodies, external partners, and global stakeholders. Participate in budgeting, forecasting, and business case development with Finance and Supply Chain leadership. Serve as the South African representative in global procurement routines, including MPRs. 4. People Leadership & Procurement Team Build‑Out Build, restructure, or redesign the procurement team to support the new operating model. Recruit, coach, and develop high‑performing procurement professionals. Create future leadership capabilities and ensure a pipeline of talent. Drive engagement, performance management, and a culture of continuous improvement. Qualifications Bachelors or postgraduate degree in Business, Supply Chain, Commerce, or a related field. Professional certifications (CIPS, CPSM, PMP, Lean Six Sigma) advantageous. Experience 5+ years in procurement or supply chain leadership (multinational experience preferred). Must be hands-on, operationally engaged, and willing to work at both strategic and execution levels. Ideally from a Pharmaceutical or Medical background. Proven experience Leading Sourcing/Recruitment Strategy and delivering cost savings. A capable people leader who can still operate hands‑on. Experience implementing SAP and/or Ariba at a local or regional level, as well as process transformation. Experience building, restructuring, or transforming a procurement team or function. Strong governance background with experience establishing processes, policies, compliance structures and audit fundamentals. Ability to lead change, influence across functions, and drive transformation. Commercially strong with excellent negotiation and value‑delivery capability. Experienced in building structure where none exists. In essence: This is a Procurement Transformation Manager role. Nice to Have Experience working with African markets in a multinational environment. Prior experience consolidating a supplier base or implementing category management. Core Competencies Business Competency Customer orientation Attention to detail and deadline focus Results orientation Problem‑solving ability Continuous improvement Assertiveness Strategic Competency Leadership Competency Professional Competency Social & Intercultural Competency