Purpose of the role:
This is a unique opportunity to establish and lead the procurement function at takealot.com from the ground up. As the company's first Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for creating a strategic, centralized procurement capability that drives value, efficiency, and competitive advantage across the organisation.
You will build the foundation for a world-class procurement operation, developing policies, processes, and systems while establishing key supplier relationships. This role will evolve into a senior leadership position, with the successful incumbent expected to build and manage a procurement team as the function matures.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Development & Leadership
- Design and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with takealot.com's business objectives and growth plans
- Establish the procurement function's vision, mission, and operating model from scratch
- Develop short, medium, and long-term roadmaps for procurement capability development
- Build business cases for procurement initiatives and investments
- Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on procurement-related matters
- Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for procurement effectiveness
Process & Policy Development
- Create and implement procurement policies, procedures, and governance frameworks
- Develop standardized procurement processes including sourcing, contracting, supplier management, and purchase-to-pay workflows
- Establish approval hierarchies and spending authorities
- Design and implement a category management approach
- Develop procurement templates, tools, and documentation
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and corporate governance standards
Supplier & Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers across all categories
- Develop and execute supplier selection, evaluation, and onboarding processes
- Negotiate contracts and commercial terms to achieve optimal value
- Implement supplier performance management frameworks
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks
- Partner with internal stakeholders across all departments to understand procurement needs
- Educate and influence stakeholders on procurement best practices
Cost Management & Value Creation
- Identify and deliver significant cost savings and cost avoidance opportunities
- Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to ensure competitive pricing
- Drive value engineering and total cost of ownership (TCO) initiatives
- Optimize working capital through payment terms and inventory management
- Develop business cases for strategic sourcing initiatives
- Track and report on procurement savings and value delivered
Technology & Systems
- Select and implement appropriate procurement technology solutions (e-procurement, SRM, contract management)
- Drive digitalization of procurement processes
- Integrate procurement systems with existing ERP and financial systems
- Leverage data analytics for procurement insights and decision-making
- Champion procurement innovation and automation
Team Building & Development
- Develop a hiring plan and organizational structure for the procurement function
- Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing procurement team as the function scales
- Create career development frameworks and succession plans
- Build procurement capability through training and mentoring
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and excellence
- Establish the procurement function as a trusted business partner
Minimum Required Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Commerce, or related field (Essential)
- Professional procurement qualification (CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent) - Highly Advantageous or Honors
Minimum Required Experience
- Minimum 8-10 years of progressive procurement experience, preferably in retail, e-commerce, logistics, or fast-paced consumer environments
Minimum Required Competencies
- Proven track record of building procurement functions or leading significant transformation programs
- Demonstrated experience managing complex, high-value negotiations and contracts
- Experience in strategic sourcing across multiple spend categories
- Strong stakeholder management experience at senior levels
- Experience implementing procurement systems and digital solutions
- Track record of delivering measurable cost savings and value creation
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Technical Skills
- Deep understanding of strategic sourcing and category management methodologies
- Strong commercial acumen and contract management expertise
- Advanced skills in data analysis and reporting (Excel, Power BI, or similar)
- Knowledge of procurement best practices and industry standards
- Financial analysis and business case development capabilities
Core Competencies
- Strategic thinking and business acumen
- Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to build from scratch
- Strong leadership and influencing skills
- Excellent negotiation and commercial skills
- Change management and transformation expertise
- Stakeholder management and relationship building
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Project and program management
- Results-oriented with strong execution capabilities
- Excellent communication and presentation skills (written and verbal)
Personal Attributes
- Self-starter who thrives in ambiguous, unstructured environments
- High level of integrity and ethical standards
- Resilient and adaptable to change
- Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills
- Detail-oriented yet able to see the big picture
- Proactive and takes ownership
- Innovative thinker who challenges the status quo
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
If you meet the above you are an Extraordinary Mind so come and join us!
Takealot Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from the previously disadvantaged groups and people with disabilities, to apply.