Procurement Specialist

About Kennametal

With over 80 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,700 employees are helping customers in nearly 100 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $2.1 billion in revenues in fiscal 2023. 

Procurement Specialist

In Kennametal we are looking for a Procurement professional to execute and support the global sourcing strategy for multiple infrastructure categories in the EMEA region.

This role involves analysing market and spend data, developing and implementing strategic cost-saving initiatives, and negotiating contracts. The Procurement Specialist contributes to optimizing procurement processes, supplier sourcing, risk and performance management, as well as supplier relationship management, to achieve Kennametal's objectives in terms of delivery, quality, and cost.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Primarily manages the local categories in South Africa and is responsible for EMEA region Infrastructure scope with a particular focus on Castings & Forgings. This role includes strategy execution, supplier performance and relationship management, as well as total cost management and implementation.

• Collaborates with the Global Category Management Team to implement the global category in the EMEA region. Cooperates with suppliers and internal stakeholders (both local and global), builds and develops strong, mutually beneficial partnerships to achieve overall procurement targets within cost optimization, value enhancement, and contractual compliance. Is responsible for the annual KPIs of the assigned commodity, including cost reduction initiatives, cash flow improvements, and Framework Agreement spend coverage.
   
• Is accountable for the day-to-day ownership of supplier business and performance.

• Is accountable for Procure to Pay process for the assigned categories.

• Supports supplier onboarding, development, and ramp-up in line with the Global Category strategy, drives the supplier selection process and segmentation.

• Conducts market analysis to acquire and maintain a good understanding of trends and changes within the assigned commodity (new players, new technologies, etc.). It has significant involvement in Advanced Engineering and early supplier integration.

• Leverages market data and creates various price/service models to develop an understanding of market drivers, enhancing the overall strategy and promoting timely and effective decision-making.
   
• Manages cross-functional projects, participates in price and contract negotiations, and continuously searches for new ways to optimize procurement costs.

•  Monitors the overall Quality, Costs, and Delivery Performance (QDC) of the commodity and initiates improvement actions when necessary.

• Is part of the Business Review Meeting Process with suppliers.
   
• Supports Operations according to the escalation process. Serves as a liaison between the manufacturing sites within the businesses and the Sourcing organization, ensuring that sourcing and manufacturing strategies are mutually aligned and supportive.

• Partners with the Global Sourcing  Strategy & Transformation Team and other functions as required to ensure that defined best practices and designated tools and procedures are comprehensively deployed across the region and that sourcing projects are executed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's and/or master's degree in a relevant field (Business, Supply Chain, Engineering) or equivalent education
• Possess a proven track record in strategic procurement and/or category management in an industrial environment
• Having experience in the forging category and technical knowledge would be an asset
• Experienced in leading negotiations
• Goal-oriented and proactive, with strong communication skills
• Capable of setting and establishing priorities
• Could establish strategic directions and business objectives
• Having experience in the international business environment
• Analytics, project management and financial skills
• Have experience in using SAP or other ERP systems
• Have excellent English communication skills. Knowledge of German will be an advantage

Equal Opportunity Employer