Job Description

Posted on May 23, 2023

Zambia Sugar Plc is a subsidiary of the Illovo Sugar Company (Pty) Ltd Group and is the leading sugar producer in Zambia. Its main activities are the growing of sugar cane, the production and marketing of sugar and other downstream products.
The Company invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill the following positions in the Supply Chain Department to be based at Nakambala (Mazabuka):
1.    Procurement and Inventory Manager (Senior Management) x1– Permanent
The position reports to the Supply Chain Head. The successful candidate will be accountable for Procurement & Inventory locally and the delivery of the performance metrics aligned to business strategy. The role holder will lead, manage, and develop the Procurement & Inventory team and ensure governance and compliance to Procurement & Inventory controls and standards are met.
Responsibilities

Adopt and embed best practices, minimum standards, policies, processes, tools, systems, and enablers (capabilities) shared by Group Procurement & Inventory teams
Guide and support the operations’ Inventory personnel in managing Inventory parameters within the Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and optimising these parameters on an ongoing basis
Manage and monitor departmental Procurement & Inventory budgets to ensure seamless operation of the department
Use analytical data and insights to partner with various stakeholders to forecast, develop and implement demand plans
Oversee supplier management as identified by Contract Specialist
Implement and drive compliance to Group standards/calendars and deadlines to ensure effective demand planning and timeous delivery on initiatives
Communicate the Procurement & Inventory processes and drive compliance required from end-users; this includes tracking and reporting on compliance and/or deviations
Champion stakeholder engagement (i.e. supply & demand forecasting) across all business functions (i.e. Off Crop, Capex Projects, Packaging, Fertilizers etc.)
Partner with Group Procurement Excellence to build-on and develop Procurement capability within country
Ensure long term sourcing strategies are developed and are fully aligned with Country and Group strategic objectives
Lead the optimization of Inventory holding from both a financial and operational perspective
Ensure that demand forecasts of Inventory are managed and aligned to production and maintenance planning
Support Inventory Manager in verification and expediting activities according to pre-determined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and ensure accurate and efficient receiving/receipting/issuing of stock by the Inventory team
Promote and adhere to Illovo’s procedures, policies and guidelines, including, without limitation, those relating to SHERQ, Competition Law and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC)

Minimum specifications / Requirements areas

Full Grade 12 Certificate
BSc/BA Degree in Business Administration/Management, Procurement/ Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or equivalent. MSc in Supply Chain or MBA will be an added advantage
Minimum of 7 years’ experience in Procurement & Inventory, in a Manufacturing environment/Industry
3+ years in a management role
Strong technical knowledge and understanding of Procurement processes and Supply Chain management.
Proven track record of managing and developing teams.
Proven high ethical standards.
Creative, innovative and team working skills
Excellent communication skills and report writing skills
Member of Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS)–Mandatory
Valid Driver’s license

2.  Contracts Specialist (Middle Management) x1– Permanent
The position reports to the Procurement and Inventory Manager. The successful candidate will be accountable for local procurement contracts that are compliant to Group category plans; and maximising contract buying for local purchases.
Responsibilities

Responsible for efficient supplier/vendor take on.
Develop and recommend the Country Procurement Category Strategy that factors Group category plans and maximum local contract buying.
Lead the local suppliers’ selection process with input from users
Prepare local bid documents, manage tender process & analyse bid results in accordance with the tender procedure
Negotiate local contracts and approve prices, delivery, payment terms, quality requirements to meet standards and supply objectives, then update contract register appropriately.
Manage key contracts, resolving supplier concerns, contractual issues, and review contractual obligations of the suppliers via Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) written within the contracts.
Use analytical data and insights to partner with various stakeholders to forecast, develop, and implement demand plans.
Build an efficient buying network, dynamically aligned with respective category management.
Interface with business and other stakeholders to actively manage demand forecasting for procurement planning & ensure compliance to contracts and price agreements.
Work with Procurement & Inventory Manager to prioritise and plan mill and supplier visits to understand and align on future category strategies to facilitate increased compliance.
Ensure governance and compliance to procurement controls and standards are met.
Promote and adhere to Illovo’s procedures, policies and guidelines, including, without limitation, those relating to SHERQ, Competition Law and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC)

Minimum specifications / Requirements areas

Full Grade 12 Certificate
BSc/BA Degree in Business Administration/Management, Procurement/ Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or equivalent. MSc in Supply Chain or MBA will be an added advantage.
Minimum of 5 years’ Procurement and Contract Management experience, in a Manufacturing environment/Industry
2+ years in a management role
Strong technical knowledge and understanding of Procurement processes and Supply Chain management.
Ability to engage, manage, and partner with stakeholders at all levels.
Excellent communication skills and Report writing skills.
Creative, innovative and team working skills.
Member of Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS) – Mandatory
Valid Driver’s license

3.    Inventory Manager (Middle Management) x1– Permanent
The position reports to the Procurement and Inventory Manager. The successful candidate shall be responsible making optimal stock ordering decisions to maximise service levels, minimise inventory investment and ensure efficient operations.
Responsibilities

Responsible for optimal onsite Inventory stock holding from both a financial and operational perspective.
Drive Working Capital Management by optimizing Inventory holding.
Maintain accurate inventory levels that are data driven & customer centric.
Monitor demand plan for anticipated future needs.
Allocate workflow and manage the Inventory Operational team’s activities.
Manage the Inventory team to ensure accurate and efficient receiving, receipting, and issuing of stock, and strong customer support in terms of timing and product availability.
Coordinate the ordering of Inventory items linked to demand forecasts (aligned to production and maintenance planning) for the operation.
Ensure Critical stock items are managed effectively with regular communication of the risk being shared with respective teams.
Manage the Verification team to ensure weekly stock counts are managed and completed in line with agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Investigate discrepancies accordingly.
Partner with the business to implement and drive compliance to Inventory policies, strategies, processes, and guidelines.
Review Inventory requirements and propose improvements where applicable.
Support continuous stakeholder engagement in supply and demand planning across all business functions (i.e. Off Crop, Capex projects, Packaging, Fertilizers, etc.). This includes effective delivery on agreed demand plans.
Use analytical data and insights to partner with various stakeholders in optimizing stock holding, forecasting demand & delivering on category supply plans.
Lead, manage and develop capability in the local Inventory teams

Minimum specifications / Requirements areas

Full Grade 12 Certificate
BSc/BA Degree in Business Administration/Management, Procurement/ Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or equivalent
Minimum of 5 years’ Supply Chain experience, in a Manufacturing environment/Industry
2+ years in a management role
Strong technical knowledge and understanding of Inventory management processes and Supply Chain management
Ability to engage, manage, and partner with stakeholders at all levels
Excellent communication skills and Report writing skills
Creative, innovative and team working skills
Member of Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS) – Mandatory
Valid Driver’s license

4.    Purchasing Manager (Middle Management) x1– Permanent
The position reports to the Procurement and Inventory Manager. The successful candidate shall be accountable for effective local purchasing and continuous optimization to support the strategy of increased contract buying.
Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day buying and related planning
Review and use analytical data and reports to drive efficiencies and identify opportunities for optimization of contract buying or improved inventory management
Support embedding of best practices, minimum standards, policies, processes, tools, technology, and enablers
Manage, track and report on the compliance and progress of raised purchase orders; support the team to prioritize and expedite based on business needs
Ensure that accurate data is entered in the ERP system for reliable reporting and analysis
Establish and communicate sourcing requirement criteria and work with cross functional teams to ensure all information is provided to fast track the buying process
Support in-sourcing local purchases and the local application of contracts
Support the validation of all purchase requisition requests against the catalogue, create, and assign the appropriate sub-group code and initiate end-user application
Implement and oversee effective and efficient service delivery and resolution of issues affecting delivery or supply constraints
Communicate with line managers and suppliers to ensure Procurement expectations are being met
Lead and manage supplier performance management for non-contracted vendors
Work with line managers to gather performance data to manage the quality of service with established vendors
Negotiate favourable terms and conditions with vendor
Support implementation of strategies to achieve targets
Ensure buying process is procedurally compliant and documentation for audit and SHERQ purposes are available
Promote and adhere to Illovo’s procedures, policies, and guidelines, including, without limitation, those relating to SHERQ, Competition Law and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC)

Minimum specifications / Requirements areas

Full Grade 12 Certificate
BSc/BA Degree in Business Administration/Management, Procurement/ Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or equivalent
Minimum of 5 years’ Procurement/Supply Chain Management experience, in a Manufacturing environment/Industry
2+ years in a management role
Strong technical knowledge and understanding of Procurement processes and Supply Chain management
Ability to engage, manage, and partner with stakeholders at all levels
Excellent communication skills and Report writing skills
Creative, innovative and team working skills
Member of Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS) – Mandatory
Valid Driver’s license

5.   Warehouse Foreman (First Line Management) x1– Permanent
The position reports to the Warehouse Manager. The Warehouse Foreman shall be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the warehouse, which includes supervising the warehouse staff, coordinating the receiving and dispatch of products, and maintaining inventory levels. The foreman works closely with the warehouse manager to ensure that the warehouse is running smoothly and efficiently.
Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with group minimum standards and processes for the warehouse / depot
Be responsible for SHERQ in the warehouse / depot, through communication, training, management, and monitoring of adherence to procedures and standards
Reconcile system and physical Stock on Hand by product and location on a daily basis, and investigate stock variances
Conduct daily and monthly counts and monitor damages at locations while recording lost weights
Analyze shipments logs and review timeliness of all scheduled deliveries to ensure all placed trucks are loaded and dispatched
Monitor all assigned SKUs in the warehouse /depot and their movements in and out of the warehouse/depot, and account for all variances
Ensure adherence to warehouse operating instructions for inbound receipt handling, storage, stacking and dispatch of product
Ensure that all trucks are offloaded and /or loaded and dispatched within the prescribed turnaround times.
Make suggestions for productivity improvements and optimization of warehouse space.
Ensure customer returns are correctly captured.
Monitor correct operation and maintenance of warehouse material handling equipment to ensure consistent availability and safe handling of product
Train, guide and evaluate all warehouse employees under his or her charge
Provide input to and effectively manage the warehouse budget on a daily/weekly/monthly basis
Promote and adhere to Illovo’s procedures, policies and guidelines, including, without limitation, those relating to SHERQ, Competition Law and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC)

Minimum specifications / Requirements areas

Full Grade 12 Certificate
Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Transport/Logistics Management, Business Administration/Management or equivalent. BSc/BA Degree will be an added advantage.
Minimum 3 years’ experience in similar role
Should have in depth understanding of warehousing and dispatching of manufactured products operations
Ability to engage, manage, and partner with stakeholders at all levels
Knowledge of relevant warehousing software.
Experience in bulk material handling would be an advantage.
Sound interpersonal skills, supervisory skills, planning and problem-solving ability, knowledge of warehouse management systems and Excel

6.  Transactional Buyer (First Line Management) x2 – Permanent
The position reports to the Purchasing Manager. The incumbent will be required to source suitable and reputable suppliers to ensure high quality goods and services are procured for the organization economically and timely.
Responsibilities

Actively manage and drive effective local procurement and continuous optimization to support the strategy of increased contract buying.
Manage day-to-day buying and related planning.
Manage and execute buying process for off-contract transactions.
Input accurate data into the ERP system to enable reliable reporting and analysis.
Source local purchases and ensure the local application of contracts.
Implement and monitor continuous improvement practises
Communicate with line managers and suppliers to ensure Procurement expectations are being met.
Provide support and coaching to end-users where required.
Manage supplier performance management for non-contracted vendors.
Build a network/database of reliable suppliers based on specific business needs.
Work with line managers to gather performance data to manage the quality of service with established vendors.
Negotiate favourable terms and conditions with vendor.
Support implementation of strategies to achieve local targets and facilitate meeting targets.
Ensure buying process is procedurally compliant and documentation for audit and SHERQ purposes are available.
Promote and adhere to Illovo’s procedures, policies and guidelines, including, without limitation, those relating to SHERQ, Competition Law and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC)

Minimum specifications / Requirements areas

Full Grade 12 Certificate
Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Transport/Logistics Management, Business Administration/Management or equivalent. BSc/BA Degree will be an added advantage
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in similar role
Technical knowledge and understanding of Procurement processes and supply chain management.
Ability to engage, manage, and partner with stakeholders at all levels.
Member of Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS)

Should you be interested in applying for this role, please submit your detailed CV, copies of relevant qualifications, registrations and ID/Passport for the attention of HR Business Partner: Nakambala Email:  [email protected] clearly stating the position applied for in the subject line.
Closing date for applications: 22 May 2023.
Applicants may be required to complete pre-employment checks (qualification, credit, security, background, and medical assessments) as part of the recruitment process where applicable.