Kaveet Harripersad
Procurement / Category Manager
Sunninghill
Summary
Results-driven procurement professional with a strong background in strategic sourcing and supplier management. Skilled in negotiating contracts, analyzing market trends, and optimizing supply chain processes to drive cost savings and efficiency. Known for fostering collaborative team environments and adapting to shifting priorities to consistently achieve goals. Adept in vendor relations, inventory management, and project coordination. Demonstrated expertise in category management, strategic sourcing, and cost reduction. Experienced in negotiating contracts and fostering supplier relationships, contributing to streamlined procurement processes. Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence. Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Category Buyer
Tile Africa a Division of Norcros
Johannesburg
11.2023 - Current
- Controlling and optimizing the group margin
- Age Stock Clearance Strategies
- Supplier Management
- Performance Review
- Rebate/Payment agreement negotiations
- Rebate payable calculations & invoicing
- Verifying of new suppliers
- Establish the best supplier to buy the products from (price and quality mix)
- Imports
- Sourcing of new products
- Research & Development of new products
- Forward stock planning
- Establish and ensure the quality to be procured according to SABS standards
- Pricing of imported stock into the market
- Increased supplier performance through regular evaluations, feedback, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assisted in budget preparation, ensuring alignment with procurement objectives and overall business goals.
- Conducted market research and analysis to identify potential new suppliers and stay informed on industry trends.
- Worked closely with internal stakeholders to understand their requirements and develop category-specific sourcing strategies that met both short-term needs and long-term business objectives.
- Coordinated sourcing process to finalize vendor contractual agreements.
- Assessed and managed supplier performance for continuous improvement by leading supplier meetings.
- Assisted employees, vendors or customers by answering questions related to sourcing and procurement processes, procedures and services.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to identify opportunities for process improvements, cost reductions, and efficiency gains within the supply chain.
- Managed vendor relationships, resolving disputes, addressing performance issues, and facilitating communication between parties as needed.
- Coordinated with legal department for drafting contracts that protect the company''s interests while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
- Implemented tactical approach to sourcing to obtain best value for money.
- Reduced procurement lead times through effective supplier relationship management and streamlined processes.
- Analyzed spend data to identify areas of opportunity for cost savings or process improvements within assigned categories.
- Continuously monitored industry trends and advancements, implementing new strategies to stay ahead of the competition and maintain a strong category buying position.
- Developed detailed sales forecasts based on historical data, allowing for proactive inventory management decisions.
- Analyzed sales performance and adjusted marketing strategies to optimize revenue generation.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of products, ensuring optimal mix between high-margin items and cost-effective options for customers.
- Mentored junior team members in category management best practices, contributing to a high-performing and collaborative work environment.
- Studied technical aspects of managed category to identify key quality attributes and cost containment levels.
- Monitored market to capitalize on latest trends.
- Maximized category turnover through proactive management strategies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop promotional campaigns that effectively increased category awareness and sales growth.
- Enhanced supplier relationships through regular communication and collaborative problem-solving efforts.
- Assisted in conducting audits of key suppliers and monitored supplier performance.
- Visited supplier offices and plants to investigate facilities and capacity to meet quality requirements, specifications and delivery dates.
- Optimized product assortment by regularly reviewing sales performance and making data-driven decisions on SKU additions or discontinuations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to plan and execute successful marketing campaigns.
- Conducted regular competitor analysis to stay ahead of industry trends and maintain market share.
- Worked closely with store operations teams to address any issues impacting category performance at a local level, tailoring strategies as needed for specific locations or regions.
- Managed vendor contracts, ensuring adherence to terms while negotiating advantageous deals for the company.
Director
Rudra Trading 1503(PTY) LTD(Fibre)
Johannesburg
11.2022 - 10.2023
- Operations
- Town Planning
- Sourcing
- Site Management
Procurement Manager
Plumblink SA HEAD OFFICE
Johannesburg
11.2018 - 11.2022
- National Duties
- Stock Models - Statuses, Min & Max
- Pricing policies
- Market research & intelligence
- Website stock model & Pricing
- Stock file Management
- Margin Control
- Creating product awareness/communication within the region
- Proactive management of Old/excess stock and age stock
- Supplier Management
- Performance Review
- Rebate/Payment agreement negotiations
- Rebate payable calculations & invoicing
- Verifying of new suppliers
- Establish the best supplier to buy the products from (price and quality mix)
- BBEE Management
- Verifying & onboarding BBBEE suppliers
- Supplier enterprise development monitoring and coaching
- Supplier performance management
- Imports
- Sourcing of new products
- Research & Development of new products
- Landed cost Negotiation
- Forward stock planning
- Maintaining national stock levels
- Coordination of imported stock/containers into various regions
- Establish and ensure the quality to be procured according to SABS standards
- Pricing of imported stock into the market
- Managed supply chain process, from order placement to delivery, to facilitate on-time and accurate fulfillment.
- Prepared and presented reports to management on purchasing trends and cost savings to aid in decision making.
- Developed strong relationships with key suppliers, resulting in improved communication, better pricing, and reliable delivery schedules.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to obtain favorable terms and pricing.
- Conducted thorough supplier evaluations, selecting vendors based on quality, price, reliability, and commitment to sustainability initiatives.
- Resolved invoice and payment issues to facilitate prompt payment to suppliers.
- Managed global sourcing efforts for diverse product categories spanning multiple countries and regions.
- Evaluated supplier quotes based on purchasing procedures and competitiveness in quality, price and delivery.
Regional Buyer
Plumblink KZN
Durban
02.2016 - 11.2018
- Ensured timely delivery of products by closely monitoring vendor performance and addressing any issues promptly.
- Maintain stock levels within the region
- Process purchase orders for back orders
- Contract Stock Negotiation
- Forward planning / container orders
- Forecasting stock orders to secure deals
- Monitoring sales in conjunction with purchases
- Coordinating supplier deliveries
- Establish and ensure the quality to be procured according to SABS standards
- Establish the best supplier to buy the products from (price and quality mix)
- Place and follow-up on the product order from the chosen supplier
- Check price queries from invoice received from creditors - resolving within 24 hours
- Booking out stock to Branches as required for Inter Branch transfers
- Maintenance of product master on product status by liaising of the central stock file team
- Updating Min & Max's for the branches/ express stores
- Arranging supplier/product training for the region
- Creating product awareness/communication within the region
- Proactive management of Old/excess stock and age stock
- Daily / Weekly reports - Pivot tables, VLOOKUP etc
- Assist with customer / branches complaints and queries
- Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
- Provided training and guidance to junior team members on best practices in purchasing, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement department.
Regional Contracts Coordinator
Plumblink KZN
Durban
02.2013 - 01.2016
- Pricing BOQ's & tender documents
- Market Research
- Pricing Policies
- Document Management
- Awarded Contract Negotiations
- Practice good & ethical standards are maintained at all times between the Company and Contract clients
- Negotiate and influence prices with suppliers per project
- Contract/Tender Buying
- Procurement & sourcing of materials
- Follow up back orders
- Charging out direct orders
- Establish the best supplier to buy the products from (price and quality mix)
- Establish and ensure the quality to be procured according to SABS standards
- Enhance technical knowledge, market intelligence and price awareness within the contract sales team
- Build and maintain relationships
- Manage administration of regional contracts War Board
- Maximize sales opportunities in tenders and contracts
- Ensure the Company is represented in a professional manner
- Know competitors within the industry
- Identify gaps in the industry
- Articulate and understand specific customer (internal & external) requirements
- Liaison between internal sales & external sales representatives
- Compile weekly Tender Reports
Education
NQF - LEVEL 4 - Generic Management
KUKHULA
Westville 07.2015 - 07.2016
Diploma - Purchasing Management
Varsity College
Westville, South Africa 10.2011 - 10.2012
Matric - Bachelors Degree Pass
Mountview Secondary
Verulam 01.2003 - 12.2008
Skills
Supplier relationship management
Supply chain optimization
Strategic sourcing
Spend analysis
Customer focus
Procurement strategy
Supplier evaluation
Category growth
Pricing analysis
Category management
Supplier development
Teamwork
Timeline
Category Buyer
Tile Africa a Division of Norcros
11.2023 - Current
Director
Rudra Trading 1503(PTY) LTD(Fibre)
11.2022 - 10.2023
Procurement Manager
Plumblink SA HEAD OFFICE
11.2018 - 11.2022
Regional Buyer
Plumblink KZN
02.2016 - 11.2018
NQF - LEVEL 4 - Generic Management
KUKHULA
07.2015 - 07.2016
Regional Contracts Coordinator
Plumblink KZN
02.2013 - 01.2016
Diploma - Purchasing Management
Varsity College
10.2011 - 10.2012
Matric - Bachelors Degree Pass
Mountview Secondary
01.2003 - 12.2008
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