Johannesburg: Partner Relations Manager

Job Purpose: Responsible for procurement of the companys products and services from regional vendors, in order to support internal stakeholders, by establishing and maintaining long-term beneficial relationships and strategies. The role supports sales and project teams in their growth and delivery objectives. Key Performance Areas: Procurement 30% Partner Relations Management 20% SLA & Credit Management 10% Stakeholder Management – Legal Compliance 10% Cost Savings – Supplier Changes 15% Cancellations 15% Competency Requirements for Position Knowledge: Product knowledge of Ethernet, MPLS and Internet data solutions Knowledge of ISP/data solution providers and markets across Africa Basic knowledge of telco regulations and legislation in various countries Skills: Basic Cost-Accounting skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to build collaborative relationships with vendors for competitive advantage Basic Cost-Accounting skills Report Writing skills Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) Behavioral: Strong negotiation skills Strong Business Acumen Analytical skills Accurate, attention to Detail Deadline driven Planning and Organisational skills Initiative Ability to prioritize Problem-solving skills Stress tolerance Team player Minimum Qualification: Bachelors degree in commerce, supply chain or related tertiary qualification Project management or service delivery background advantageous Minimum Experience: 5 years experience in telecommunications industry, data networking products (MPLS, Ethernet, WAN, etc.). Experience in procurement from international suppliers, predominately in Africa and Middle East (preferable) Other Requirements Valid passport Willing to travel internationally on an ad hoc basis Prepared to work overtime, if required Job Grade : D1 Key Stakeholder Relationships Internal Finance Procurement Operations Sales Project Managers, Quality Assurance Contract Manager. External Customers Vendors/suppliers Attorneys Key Performance Areas & Indicators Procurement Request Pricing for all access sourcing to meet client requirements – Within 48 hours Ensure services are sourced and negotiated at market-related prices or less. Drive Big Deal spreadsheet and work with CM’s to provide final pricing. – Ownership of Pricing. Negotiate further discounts, based on Qualified requests and obtain official quotes for all requests at 100% probability. – Within 48 hours. Fully engage with Commercial Manager to confirm any technical requirements, SLA and delivery lead times for all qualified requests. Analyze and compare local access pricing received against existing price books. Partner Relations Management Work with suppliers, ensuring open and transparent communication of supplier feedback. – Effective cooperation between parties. Develop, review, and refine supplier score cards and procedures. – Performance metrics. Conduct Supplier reviews based on Score cards and implement PIP where needed. – Supplier scorecards. Leverage score card analytics to make data-driven decisions and recommendations to stakeholders and leaders. – Corrective action implemented. Manage and resolve supplier escalations from internal departments. – Accurate, timely identification of potential risks. Responsible for resolving Supplier invoice holds and payment issues from suppliers. – Assist the Finance Department SLA & Credit Management Ensure SLA criteria including penalties are in place with all vendors – Accurate feedback, on time, in the required format Analyze monthly SLA reporting received from QA for non- performance Negotiate necessary credit note with the supplier based on SLA reporting Obtain necessary credit note and ensure captured by Finance Stakeholder Management – Legal Compliance Ensure onboarding Compliance document prior to commencing commercial discussions with potential supplier – RFI Document Ensure NDA agreement is in place prior to requesting pricing and sharing requirements to new potential suppliers – NDA Agreement Manage and resolve supplier escalations from internal departments Assist Finance Department to resolve invoicing and billing disputes Issues resolved promptly Ensure All legal compliances are in place prior to billing been received from new suppliers – MSA, SLA, Operating License Cost Savings – Supplier Changes Present commercial model to confirm feasibility and get the necessary approval from all depts – Derive commercial model Ensure orders with suppliers are placed timeously for local access. – Double billing occurrences Ensure existing circuits are cancelled timeously – No failed cancellations Ensure providers have turn down the old link and billing has stopped – Close loop with Finance departments involved Drive the various departments involved the ensure the migration is completed within the necessary timelines – Program management of Project plan with PM agreement Cancellations Request cancellation terms from suppliers – All requests processed same day. Timeous and accurate processing of all requests on Sales tool and TWYN Complete the full cancellation process on TWYN including the confirmation that billing has stopped with the supplier . – Within an average of 2 days