Siyasanga Zulu
Uitenhage/Kariega
Summary
Experienced Buyer with a proven track record in delivering high-quality goods on schedule, enhancing supplier relations, and negotiating favorable contracts. Expertise in pricing structures and procurement processes, driving cost-effective purchasing strategies.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Non Production Materials Buyer
Continental Tyres Pty Ltd
09.2024 - Current
- Drive strategic sourcing of non-production goods and services, implementing cost-effective procurement strategies
- Lead end-to-end RFQ, RFP, and RFI processes, including supplier evaluation, commercial analysis, and negotiations
- Conduct contract and price negotiations to improve total cost of ownership and business profitability
- Manage supplier relationships and performance through structured Supplier Performance Management (SPM) cycles
- Ensure supplier compliance with BBBEE requirements, quality standards, and contractual obligations
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including supplier consolidation and bundling of requirements
- Control procurement budgets, manage pricing, and deliver measurable cost-saving initiatives
- Monitor and manage inventory levels to minimise shortages, excess stock, and obsolescence
- Collaborate with logistics and internal stakeholders to ensure timely deliveries and supply continuity
- Enforce procurement compliance with internal policies, governance standards, and regulatory frameworks
- Conduct supplier due diligence, promote ethical sourcing, and mitigate procurement risks
- Maintain transparent and auditable procurement and tender documentation
- Manage the full contract lifecycle, including vendor onboarding, renewals, and performance reviews
- Monitor supplier markets and industry trends, introducing innovative and value-adding solutions
- Utilise advanced SAP functionality, including vendor master data maintenance, PO creation, and release processes
- Train and support internal stakeholders on procurement tools and purchase-to-pay (P2P) systems
- Engage cross-functionally with Engineering, Maintenance, Facilities, Finance, Logistics, and Operations to deliver value
- Translate procurement strategies into actionable results aligned with business objectives
- Lead and support cost-saving, automation, and improvement projects
- Support fleet and vehicle lease management, including leasing contracts, fuel cards, reporting, and supplier coordination
General Procurement Temp Buyer
Volkswagen Group SA
11.2022 - 08.2024
- Support day-to-day procurement activities across general and non-production spend categories
- Process purchase requisitions, RFQs, and purchase orders in line with procurement policies and approval matrices
- Obtain and analyse supplier quotations, ensuring competitive pricing and value for money
- Engage with suppliers to confirm pricing, lead times, and delivery schedules
- Create, update, and manage purchase orders in SAP, ensuring accuracy and timely release
- Follow up on order confirmations and deliveries to ensure continuity of supply
- Resolve invoice, pricing, and quantity discrepancies in collaboration with suppliers and Finance
- Maintain and update supplier master data and procurement records in SAP
- Ensure compliance with procurement procedures, governance requirements, and audit standards
- Support supplier onboarding and documentation, including compliance and due diligence checks
- Assist with cost control initiatives and basic spend analysis
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Engineering, Maintenance, Facilities, Finance, Logistics) to meet procurement needs
- Maintain accurate and auditable procurement documentation
- Support inventory availability by monitoring order status and escalating risks timeously
- Provide procurement administrative and reporting support to senior buyers and category managers
- Demonstrate strong attention to detail, deadline management, and responsiveness in a fast-paced environment
General Procurement Trainee Buyer
Volkswagen Group SA
03.2021 - 10.2022
- Support procurement operations across general and non-production spend categories under the guidance of senior buyers
- Assist with the preparation of RFQs and the comparison of supplier quotations to ensure competitive pricing
- Create and process purchase requisitions and purchase orders in SAP in line with procurement procedures
- Follow up on order confirmations, deliveries, and lead times to support supply continuity
- Maintain accurate supplier master data and procurement records in SAP
- Assist in resolving invoice, pricing, and quantity discrepancies in collaboration with suppliers and Finance
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies, governance standards, and audit requirements
- Support supplier onboarding activities, including documentation and basic compliance checks
- Participate in cost-control initiatives and basic spend analysis
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand procurement requirements and service needs
- Support inventory availability by monitoring order status and escalating risks when required
- Prepare basic procurement reports and provide administrative support to the procurement team
- Develop working knowledge of procurement systems, processes, and P2P workflows
- Demonstrate strong attention to detail, willingness to learn, and ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment
Education
National N Diploma - Management Assistant
Port Elizabeth TVET College
01.2021
National Senior Certificate - Matric
Hoërskool D.F. Malherbe
01.2016
Skills
- Strategic sourcing
- Procurement and contract management
- RFQ/RFP/RFI processes
- Analytical capabilities
- Negotiation skills
- Supplier performance management
- Cost optimization and budget control
- Compliance and risk management
- Ethical sourcing and transparency
- Commercial and market insight
- Contract lifecycle management
- Vendor onboarding and master data management
- Purchase-to-pay systems
- Stakeholder collaboration and cross-functional engagement
- Project management and logistics collaboration
- Vehicle and fleet management
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills
Languages
- English
- Afrikaans
- IsiXhosa
References
- Nomawabo Nqolo- Mini, Plant Traffic Officer - Supply Chain, 041 406 5218, nomawabo.nqolo-mini@conti.co.za
- Heidi Halgreen, General Procurement Supervisor, 041 994 5036, heidi.halgreen@vwsa.co.za
- Nomazizi Saba, General Procurement Supervisor, 041 994 5041, Nomazizi.saba@vwsa.co.za
Key Responsibilities And Core Competencies
Core Procurement & Supply Chain Expertise
- Expert in sourcing non-production goods and services with a focus on cost-effective procurement strategies
- Lead end-to-end RFQ, RFP, and RFI processes with strong analytical and negotiation capability
- Conduct contract and price negotiations to improve commercial value and business profitability
- Manage supplier relationships and performance through structured Supplier Performance Management (SPM) cycles
- Ensure supplier compliance with BBBEE, quality standards, contractual terms, and regulatory requirements
Cost Management & Continuous Improvement
- Drive cost optimization initiatives through consolidation, bundling, and strategic sourcing
- Strong capability in budget control, price management, and cost-saving initiatives
- Lead savings and automation projects aligned with procurement and business objectives
Project & Vehicle Lease Management
- Lead savings and automation projects across procurement and operational functions
- Support fleet management activities, including vehicle leasing, fuel cards, contract management, and reporting Monitor fleet-related contracts to ensure cost control, compliance, and service performance
Inventory, Logistics & Operations Support
- Monitor and manage inventory levels to reduce shortages, excess stock, and obsolescence
- Collaborate closely with logistics teams to ensure timely deliveries and supply continuity
Governance, Risk & Compliance
- Enforce procurement compliance with internal policies and governance frameworks
- Conduct due diligence, ethical sourcing checks, and mitigate procurement-related risks
- Maintain transparency and governance across tender processes and procurement documentation
Systems, Tools & Technical Skills
- Advanced SAP proficiency including vendor master data, PO creation, updates, and release processes
- Skilled in contract lifecycle management, vendor onboarding, and commercial administration
- Train internal stakeholders on procurement tools and purchase-to-pay (P2P) systems
Stakeholder & Strategic Engagement
- Strong cross-functional collaboration with internal customers to define needs and deliver value
- Translate procurement strategies into actionable results aligned with business goals
Professional competencies
- Excellent negotiation, analytical, and communication skills (English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa)
- Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and customer-facing abilities
- High attention to detail, deadline-driven, adaptable, and effective under pressure
Personal Information
- ID Number: 9812155767089
- Health Status: Excellent
- Criminal Record: None
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: South African
- Driving License: Yes (Code 10)
- Marital Status: Single
Timeline
Non Production Materials Buyer
Continental Tyres Pty Ltd
09.2024 - Current
General Procurement Temp Buyer
Volkswagen Group SA
11.2022 - 08.2024
General Procurement Trainee Buyer
Volkswagen Group SA
03.2021 - 10.2022
National N Diploma - Management Assistant
Port Elizabeth TVET College
National Senior Certificate - Matric
Hoërskool D.F. Malherbe