Senior Procurement Specialist

About the role

The University of Pretoria seeks a Senior Procurement Specialist to lead procurement activities, negotiate corporate deals, and ensure compliance with university policies. This role supports both internal stakeholders and external vendors, contributing to the institution's strategic sourcing and supplier management objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Negotiate contracts and corporate deals with external entities while aligning with stakeholder requirements.
• Respond to procurement inquiries from internal departments and external suppliers.
• Manage university credit‑card purchases, ensuring policy adherence and accurate reconciliations.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships through meetings, site visits, and regular communication.
• Evaluate and approve local and foreign requisitions within the financial system.
• Identify, register, and maintain qualified suppliers in the university database.
• Oversee online tender advertisements and assist in drafting tender documentation.
• Evaluate tenders, including B‑BBEE status, to ensure compliance with guidelines.
• Coordinate the drafting of Service Level Agreements after tender awards.
• Provide leadership for the division’s operational and strategic activities, monitoring productivity and absenteeism.
• Manage performance and development of subordinates, ensuring completion of performance contracts and assessments.

Required profile

• Relevant Bachelor’s or BTech degree.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in procurement, commercial, or finance functions.
• Demonstrated experience with procurement practices, policies, contract management, and commercial tender processes.

Required skills

• Proficiency with procurement and financial systems.
• Strong knowledge of procurement policies and contract management.
• Experience in commercial tender preparation and evaluation.
• Computer literacy, including advanced Excel skills.
• Analytical and contract evaluation capabilities.