LINDA NTSHONA
Procurement Specialist
Mdantsane
Summary
Experienced procurement professional with expertise in supply chain management, procurement strategies, contract negotiation, and vendor relations. Achieved consistent cost savings and process efficiencies. Prioritizes collaboration and results, utilizing strong analytical skills and a proactive problem-solving approach. Implements strategic sourcing to optimize supply chain efficiency. Demonstrate ability to cultivate strong supplier relationships, ensure compliance, and drive continuous process improvements. Recognized for strategic thinking, effective communication skills, and unwavering commitment to exceptional customer satisfaction.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Procurement Specialist (W206)
Mercedes Benz South Africa (MBSA)
03.2022 - Current
- Negotiation of favorable contracts with vendors for long-term supply agreements, securing stable pricing and reliable product availability in accordance with procurement targets
- Cost optimization and transparency of supply chain
- Negotiations of contracts to optimize costs and drive KPI’s
- Drive Business Unit enhancement & Purchasing Performance
- Enhance sustainability and improve supplier relationships
- Liaises with business partners to determine buying requirements
- Coordinate and report local content status and targets for new and existing projects
- Procurement of cost effective non-production materials and services; responsible for cost optimization and transparency throughout the supply chain
- Knowledge and understanding of BBBEE
- Conduct and support supplier decisions and awarding
- Continuous assessment of supplier performance and price negotiations
- Supplier Management, Knowledge and Innovation
- Established relationships with vendors and suppliers to streamline procurement operations.
- Facilitated transparent bidding processes for supplier selection, ensuring fairness and adherence to established guidelines.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives within the procurement department that significantly reduced overhead expenses.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop project-specific procurement plans, aligning strategies with overall business objectives.
- Evaluated vendor performance using key performance indicators to ensure continuous improvement in service delivery.
- Monitored pricing trends and negotiated pricing to optimize profitability.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and industry regulations during the procurement process to minimize risks.
- Drove standardization across procurement processes which resulted in greater consistency, improved efficiency, and reduced errors.
- Maintained current understanding of pricing structures, market conditions and trends in industry.
- Reduced production downtime by overseeing quality control and assembly.
- Managed risk effectively by establishing contingency plans for potential disruptions in supply chains or market fluctuations affecting pricing structures.
Internship (Department of Procurement and Supplier Quality)
Mercedes Benz South Africa (MBSA)
09.2019 - 03.2021
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
- Analyzed problems and worked with teams to develop solutions.
- Contributed to a positive team environment by collaborating with fellow interns on group projects and presentations.
- Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set.
- Participated in workshops and presentations related to projects to gain knowledge.
- Provided exceptional customer service by promptly addressing inquiries, ensuring a high level of satisfaction among clientele.
- Collaborated on marketing campaign that significantly increased brand awareness.
- Supported customer service improvements with detailed feedback analysis.
- Assisted in improving product design with detailed user feedback analysis.
- Enhanced project visibility by maintaining up-to-date project status reports.
- Facilitated knowledge sharing by creating internal wiki for project guidelines.
- Contributed to project success by diligently performing literature reviews.
- Helped streamline client onboarding processes, leading to smoother client experience.
- Contributed to positive work environment by actively participating in team-building activities.
- Boosted social media engagement through creative content creation.
- Supported financial forecasting by accurately processing expense reports.
- Assisted in development of new product feature, contributing to user-friendly experience.
- Enhanced team productivity by assisting with organization of project documentation.
- Streamlined data entry processes, significantly reducing manual errors.
- Prepared project presentations and reports to assist senior staff.
- Explored new technologies and approaches to streamline processes.
- Prepared comprehensive reports summarizing data analysis findings, informing key decision-makers of important trends and patterns.
Education
Master of Commerce - Information Systems
University of Fort Hare
01.2020 - 05.2022
Bachelor of Commerce Honours - Information Systems
University of Fort Hare
01.2019 - 11.2019
Bachelor of Commerce (CUM LAUDE) - Information Systems
University of Fort Hare
01.2016 - 11.2018
Skills
- Purchasing processes & strategies
- Strategic sourcing & Negotiation skills
- Category management/ commodity expert
- Global sourcing & contract monitoring
- Logistics management & Procurement planning
- Supplier liaison & Demand forecasting
- Interpersonal skills
- Leadership & Organizational skills
- Problem Solving & analytical skills
- Business Management skills
- Project management skills
- Accounting skills/ Financial analysis
- Knowledge of business processes
- Knowledge of legal requirements
- Process improvements
Certification
Dangerous Goods Certificate
Timeline
Procurement Specialist (W206)
Mercedes Benz South Africa (MBSA)
03.2022 - Current
Master of Commerce - Information Systems
University of Fort Hare
01.2020 - 05.2022
Internship (Department of Procurement and Supplier Quality)
Mercedes Benz South Africa (MBSA)
09.2019 - 03.2021
Bachelor of Commerce Honours - Information Systems
University of Fort Hare
01.2019 - 11.2019
Bachelor of Commerce (CUM LAUDE) - Information Systems
University of Fort Hare
01.2016 - 11.2018
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