Commodity Specialist – TPT Saldanha IOT
Transnet is currently recruiting a Commodity Specialist to join the Supply Chain Management team at TPT Saldanha IOT. This permanent position plays an important role in managing procurement strategies, supplier negotiations, and ensuring the continuous supply of quality commodities at competitive prices.
The successful candidate will provide commercial leadership within the commodity team, support strategic sourcing initiatives, and contribute to achieving procurement savings targets.
Job Details
- Position: Commodity Specialist
- Operating Division: TPT Saldanha IOT
- Department: Supply Chain Management
- Location: Saldanha
- Reporting To: Strategic and Tactical Sourcing Manager
- Employee Group: Permanent
- Grade: F
- Reference Number: req4472
- Application Closing Date: 13 March 2026
Applicants must ensure their applications are submitted before the closing date.
Position Purpose
The main purpose of this role is to provide commercial leadership in the commodity team responsible for implementing procurement strategies and initiatives aimed at delivering cost savings.
The Commodity Specialist ensures the continuity and security of supply, manages supplier negotiations, establishes contracts, and maintains supplier performance to support operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
1. Commodity Strategy Execution
The successful candidate will support the development and implementation of procurement strategies and cost reduction initiatives.
Key duties include:
- Leading the commodity team during strategy development
- Identifying economic trends within supplier industries
- Developing supplier cost models and updating them regularly
- Forecasting commodity consumption and usage
- Developing and maintaining preferred supplier lists
- Implementing commodity strategies and monitoring performance
- Measuring Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) savings and supplier efficiency
2. Tender Process Management
The role involves managing the entire tendering process to ensure compliance and value for money.
Responsibilities include:
- Designing and administering tender processes
- Coordinating supplier bid evaluations
- Managing technical and commercial evaluations
- Obtaining adjudication approvals
- Conducting supplier negotiations
- Finalizing supplier contracts and agreements
3. Strategic Contract Management
The Commodity Specialist will be responsible for establishing, managing, and monitoring supplier contracts.
Core tasks include:
- Managing contract amendments and scope changes
- Increasing contract coverage where necessary
- Advising business units on inventory levels
- Monitoring supplier performance including:
- Delivery reliability
- Product quality
- Safety and environmental standards
- ISO compliance
- Responsiveness and partnership capability
- Consumption and payment performance
4. Commodity Performance Monitoring
Monitoring supplier performance and procurement efficiency is a key responsibility in this role.
This includes reporting on:
- Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) savings
- Supplier performance and contract efficiency
- Contract spend and consumption levels
- Price escalation performance against market indices
- BEE spend performance
- Contract administration efficiency according to service level agreements
5. Compliance and Risk Management
The position requires strict compliance with company policies and relevant legislation.
Key duties include:
- Ensuring compliance with procurement policies and procedures
- Supporting contract management processes such as archiving and documentation
- Monitoring compliance with P2P control frameworks
- Managing system access controls and purchase groups
- Implementing and monitoring financial controls
6. Stakeholder Management
The Commodity Specialist will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure procurement objectives are achieved.
Key stakeholder activities include:
- Supporting the Commodity Manager
- Building strong relationships with end-users and suppliers
- Working with materials managers and procurement teams
- Providing feedback on team performance
- Taking responsibility for professional development
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Minimum Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s Degree in a technical, financial, or commercial field
OR - CIPS Level 4 certification
Additional Advantage
- A Postgraduate degree in Business or Finance
Experience Requirements
- At least 5 years of supply management experience in a large organization
OR
- NQF Level 5 qualification with
- 6 years of relevant experience, including 2 years at managerial or specialist level
Required Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate the following competencies:
Core Competencies
- Anchoring the Transnet Way
- Leading the Transnet Way
- Managing the Transnet Way
- Sustaining the Transnet Way
Key Skills
- Strong negotiation and communication skills
- Strategic planning and organization
- Problem solving and analytical thinking
- Contract and report writing skills
- Conflict resolution abilities
- Ability to work independently
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
Employment Equity
Preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups in line with Transnet’s Employment Equity Plan and targets.
