Ntuthuko Nhlapo
Senior Buyer
Boksburg
Summary
Dynamic procurement professional with extensive experience at De Beers Group Services, excelling in supplier negotiations and strategic sourcing. Proven track record of achieving significant cost savings while fostering strong supplier relationships. Adept at data analysis and continuous process improvements, driving operational efficiency and enhancing purchasing strategies.
Senior Buyer with 13 years of experience in negotiating pricing and terms to get the best deals for company purchases. Purpose-driven in negotiating excellent deals with suppliers to reduce annual spending and maximize return on investment. Focused on continuous improvement to achieve better purchasing practices and cost-effective spending.
Experienced with vendor negotiations, strategic sourcing, and procurement processes. Utilizes market analysis and supplier relationship management to ensure optimal purchasing decisions. Track record of driving cost reductions and improving supply chain efficiencies.
Procurement professional with proven track record in sourcing quality materials and managing supplier relationships. Known for collaborative approach and consistent delivery of results in dynamic environments. Expertise in market analysis and contract negotiation, ensuring seamless supply chain operations and cost-effective purchasing.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Buyer
De Beers Group Services
07.2019 - Current
- Achieved cost savings by implementing strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of products, ensuring timely delivery and quality control.
- Performed extensive vendor and supplier research to identify cost-effective options and product availability.
- Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies.
- Conducted thorough spend analysis to identify areas for potential cost savings and efficiencies.
- Led procurement team by training staff and overseeing purchasing decisions.
- Leveraged data-driven insights to make informed purchasing decisions that positively impacted the bottom line.
- Determined lowest possible cost, factoring in quality and reliability, and negotiated favorable contracts.
- Spearheaded efforts to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies within the purchasing department.
- Dispensed purchase orders to suppliers with accurate pricing, deadlines and terms and conditions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
- Reviewed proposals, qualified vendors, and recommended optimal suppliers.
- Oversaw and streamlined daily operations of purchasing department to maximize productivity and revenue.
- Participated in continuous improvement initiatives, contributing ideas for more effective procurement processes.
- Identified new suppliers through market research, generating competitive bids for better pricing.
- Enhanced supplier performance through regular evaluations and performance improvement plans.
- Evaluated supplier proposals objectively, selecting partners based on total value rather than just price alone.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, providing valuable insights to inform purchasing decisions.
- Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
- Developed cost-effective purchasing strategies to maintain inventory levels and improve operational procedures.
- Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
- Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
- Analyzed current vendors and products to stay abreast of market trends and evaluate new suppliers.
- Researched and identified new suppliers and vendors.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for cost-effective purchasing terms.
- Managed and maintained purchase orders and invoices.
- Created hands-on training program for newly hired employees to acclimate each person to company policies and procedures and individual job duties.
Procurement Manager
Transnet Freight Rail
05.2018 - 06.2019
- Collaborated with finance departments on budgeting and forecasting activities, ensuring accurate representation of procurement expenses and cost-saving opportunities.
- 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.
- Reduced procurement costs by implementing strategic sourcing initiatives and negotiating favorable contracts with suppliers.
- Conducted thorough supplier evaluations, selecting vendors based on quality, price, reliability, and commitment to sustainability initiatives.
- Conducted spend analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Resolved invoice and payment issues to facilitate prompt payment to suppliers.
- Evaluated supplier quotes based on purchasing procedures and competitiveness in quality, price and delivery.
- Led sourcing process for new vendors to get quality products and services and mitigate risk.
- Developed and maintained relationships with key suppliers for smooth communication and to meet required expectations.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new suppliers and emerging technologies that could enhance company operations or reduce costs.
- Managed a team of procurement professionals, fostering collaboration and teamwork to achieve organizational goals.
- Analyzed market conditions to make informed decisions on pricing and purchasing strategies.
- Oversaw contract administration activities, including drafting agreements, negotiating terms, managing renewals, and addressing disputes or discrepancies as needed.
- Conducted regular supplier performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and foster accountability.
- Ensured compliance with internal and external procurement policies and regulations, minimizing legal risks and maintaining company reputation.
- Generated reports on purchasing activities to support management decisions.
- Negotiated pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for company.
- Reviewed and approved purchase orders and invoices for accuracy and completeness.
Acting Procurement Manager
Transnet Freight Rail
03.2017 - 04.2018
- Developed and implemented procurement policies and procedures to enhance compliance with company standards.
- Monitored and managed procurement budget to control costs.
- Managed global sourcing efforts for diverse product categories spanning multiple countries and regions.
- Improved inventory management by implementing demand forecasting techniques and optimizing reorder points for critical items.
- Drove continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function by identifying areas for optimization and proposing actionable recommendations.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders to understand departmental needs, developing tailored procurement solutions that met their requirements while minimizing costs.
- Analyzed supplier contracts to confirm compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Managed cross-functional teams to evaluate and select new suppliers, enhancing product innovation and competitiveness.
- Reduced procurement cycle times, enabling faster project completion by optimizing order processing procedures.
- Facilitated resolution of disputes with suppliers, maintaining strong partnerships and ensuring uninterrupted supply.
- Analyzed spending patterns to identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
- Negotiated favorable terms with suppliers, leading to cost savings and improved profit margins.
- Communicated regularly with suppliers to uphold accountability for quality standards and timely delivery of goods.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to obtain favorable terms and pricing.
- Evaluated supplier quotes based on purchasing procedures and competitiveness in quality, price and delivery.
- Led sourcing process for new vendors to get quality products and services and mitigate risk.
Senior Buyer
Transnet Freight Rail
07.2015 - 02.2017
- Achieved cost savings by implementing strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of products, ensuring timely delivery and quality control.
- Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies.
- Performed extensive vendor and supplier research to identify cost-effective options and product availability.
- Led procurement team by training staff and overseeing purchasing decisions.
- Leveraged data-driven insights to make informed purchasing decisions that positively impacted the bottom line.
- Conducted thorough spend analysis to identify areas for potential cost savings and efficiencies.
- Reviewed proposals, qualified vendors, and recommended optimal suppliers.
- Optimized inventory management practices, reducing excess stock and minimizing carrying costs.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, providing valuable insights to inform purchasing decisions.
- Identified new suppliers through market research, generating competitive bids for better pricing.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers, securing optimal terms and pricing structures.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for cost-effective purchasing terms.
Technical Buyer
Transnet Freight Rail
08.2012 - 05.2015
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvements and cost reductions within the procurement function.
- Ensured timely delivery of materials by closely monitoring inventory levels and proactively addressing potential shortages or delays in shipments.
- Developed comprehensive category strategies to optimize spend while maintaining high-quality standards for products and services procured.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of suppliers, ensuring optimal quality and performance metrics were consistently met.
- Maintained compliance with all relevant industry regulations, reducing risk exposure for the organization in relation to its procurement activities.
- Negotiated favorable contract terms for the organization, resulting in significant cost savings and improved delivery schedules.
- Reduced lead times for critical components by establishing strong relationships with key suppliers.
- Evaluated product quality and vendor performance to maintain quality standards.
Education
No Degree - Diploma in Procurement And Supply
Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply
Pretoria, South Africa 04.2001 -
Advanced Certificate in Procurement And Supply
Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply
Pretoria, South Africa02-2015
Programme in Purchasing And Supply Management
University of South Africa
Pretoria, South Africa03-2012
Skills
Supplier relationship management
Purchasing strategy
Supply chain optimization
Supplier negotiations
E-procurement systems
Analyzing data
Data analysis
Industry expertise
Vendor negotiations
Purchasing expertise
Purchasing strategies
Purchase order management
Negotiation
Contract negotiation
Continuous process improvements
Procurement procedures
Purchasing strategy development
Procurement planning
Supplier sourcing
Teamwork and collaboration
Ordering and purchasing
Problem-solving
Price negotiations
Supplier communication
Timeline
Senior Buyer
De Beers Group Services
07.2019 - Current
Procurement Manager
Transnet Freight Rail
05.2018 - 06.2019
Acting Procurement Manager
Transnet Freight Rail
03.2017 - 04.2018
Senior Buyer
Transnet Freight Rail
07.2015 - 02.2017
Technical Buyer
Transnet Freight Rail
08.2012 - 05.2015
No Degree - Diploma in Procurement And Supply
Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply
04.2001 -
Advanced Certificate in Procurement And Supply
Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply
Programme in Purchasing And Supply Management
University of South Africa
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