Procurement Specialist

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

Overall Job Purpose:

• The Procurement Specialist’s primary responsibility is to ensure the business has the supplies and inventory it needs to function according to schedule, provide support to Processing, Engineering and other support Departments in accordance with site policies and procedures.
• The Procurement Specialist is expected to regularly communicate with suppliers, logistics section, receiving section, freight forwarders and transporters and other stakeholders to ensure goods arrive in required timeframe.
• Procurement  Specialist  shall work as a member of the Commercial team and will be expected to build and maintain professional working relationships with internal  (warehouse, accounts, logistics, onsite customers) and external (suppliers, freight forwarders, buying houses) to fulfil the responsibilities of the role.

Specific Job Responsibilities:

• Construct update and present expediting reports for routine and project/event goods procurement for internal stakeholders, particularly for shut down, breakdown, critical components and projects
• Supervise the expeditors and ensure adherence to the stipulated procedure of expediting
• Plan and execute expediting activities by phone, in person and by email with suppliers for allocated region/s, suppliers or categories
• Expedite orders based on dispatch dates to ensure On Time – In Full – Invoiced Correctly (OTIFIC) principle is adhered to
• Respond to emergency requirements and plan agile supply chain models to meet Customer requirements appropriately
• Ensure documentation is filed as hard copy or electronically.
• Timely escalation and  resolution of receiving/accounts/supplier queries on Purchase Orders.

Job Specific Competencies:

• Keep track of incoming and outgoing orders, handle issues such as order status, cancellation or changes and ensure that goods arrive on schedule
• Operational link between suppliers, logistics and receiving teams.
• Ensure required levels of materials are available as required onsite in accordance with warehouse reorder parameters, and project plans.
• Ensure Suppliers are held to account to supply ‘on time’.
• Build and maintain end-user confidence in procurement function capability.
• Prompt customer service and timely feedback on queries.

Key Job Attributes:

• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks
• Must be dependable and self-motivated
• Excellent typing and writing skills
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to interact with people of different cultures
• Accurate and precise attention to detail
• Unquestionable integrity
• Work independently and as part of a team.

Experience required to perform in this job

The Procurement Specialist will require knowledge, skills and experience in the following areas:

• Communication with local and international suppliers and freight forwarders
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Proficiency in Pronto
• Strong skills in MS Excel and PowerPoint
• Understanding of warehousing and inventory management
• A basic understanding of commercial law, tax, economics, logistics and remote mine site supply chain management
• Knowledge in basic health and safety
• At least 2 years’ experience  in the same or similar position (preferably in the mining industry)(desirable).

Qualifications:

• Degree in Procurement and Supply or Equivalent
• Fully paid-up Member of (Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply) ZIPS