Category Specialist

JOB TITLE:
Category Specialist

Location:

Fourways, Johannesburg, South Africa
Business Unit: MOS | Supply Chain

Reports To:

Senior Manager Procurement:
Indirect Materials

ABOUT US

Omnia's Manufacturing, Operations and Supply Chain (MOS) Supply Chain plays a critical role in enabling efficient, safe, and reliable manufacturing operations. Through integrated supply chain solutions, we support the delivery of essential products and services that power mining performance across diverse environments. As part of our team, you will contribute to a high-impact operation focused on precision, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

We are seeking professionals who thrive in dynamic environments and are committed to delivering value through strong execution and collaboration. As a division of Omnia Group, our shared purpose drives us every day:
Innovating to enhance life, together creating a greener future.
With more than 70 years of expertise, Omnia is a diversified international business operating across agriculture, mining and chemicals. Operating in 26 countries and distributing products and services across more than 40 countries, we deliver innovative solutions that support food security, responsible mining and sustainable industrial development. Our people are united by a commitment to innovation, integrity, collaboration and excellence. Through meaningful work, continuous development and a strong purpose-driven culture, we create opportunities for our people to make a lasting impact.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS (PURPOSE)

The Category Specialist serves as the custodian of procurement by guiding business on the governance, compliance and execution of all procurement processes to optimize the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for the Omnia Group at an acceptable level of supply risk, in accordance with all related policies.

The Category Specialist is responsible for supporting departmental managers and Category Leads by coordinating the procurement process and administering all relevant operational tasks including tender management, contract management, sourcing practices etc.

Analysis of current procurement and supply chain practices, business needs, supply markets and TCO practices by Category Lead should enable the Category Specialist to execute and sustain optimal sourcing strategies for the business.

WHAT YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

Procurement Analysis

• Conduct relevant analysis to assist in the identification of ideal procurement channels in line with the Procurement Policy
• Perform spend analysis by collecting, cleansing, classifying and analysing expenditure data to inform the current spend profile
• Execute and maintain sourcing strategies for relevant spend groups to optimise TCO, at a known and acceptable level of risk
• Collaborate with the Category Lead in utilising approved TCO models to understand all costs associated with a purchase
• Propose adjustments to procedures where relevant for the optimisaton of sourcing strategies
• Track market price and demand indices that influence the supply market
• Present market, price and cost insights to business in an effort to optimise decisions regarding sourcing strategies and procurement practices, including in the annual budget process
• Evaluate and understand market conditions in order to contribute to competitive sourcing strategies, control costs and manage risk
• Provide input into the development of sourcing strategies for consideration and approval by the appropriate leads in the business, that optimise TCO, with an acceptable level of risk
• Contribute to business initiatives designed to improve supply chain efficiency
• Investigate and propose innovative approaches, to meet internal demand, by questioning accepted norms and practice

Operational Execution

• Execute sourcing strategy and appropriate sourcing events e.g., RFx as required per defined and approved sourcing strategy
• Ensure sourcing events are structured, transparent and fair, with a defensible process, to ensure participation which aligns with Company policies and the code of ethics
• Provide administrative support to the Category Lead regarding the procurement process including the tender process, placement of advertisements, receipt of quotations etc.
• Analyse and process spend practice data to inform organisational spend profiles that result in the optimisation of TCO for the organisation
• Utilise a mechanism to understand delivery to internal customers (i.e. VOC - voice of customer surveys)
• Use queries/ complaints to understand sourcing problems, gather appropriate information, establish root cause and seek and propose solution options
• Advise and confirm the selection of supplier/s that best meet the selection criteria defined in the sourcing strategy
• Coordinate supplier engagement where required by involving commercial, legal, technical and other relevant parties where appropriate
• Onboard suppliers and support business in the initial engagement to ensure smooth phase in, phase out management
• Report to the Category Lead on sourcing…