Software Procurement Category Specialist

please apply here: https://grnh.se/bb589e62teu

Title: Software Procurement Category Specialist

Team: Procurement & Supply Chain

Reports to: Enterprise Procurement Category Director

Location: Mauritius

Who we are

Cobalt Ridge Ltd is a newly established support services Company that has been formed to better support and strengthen our long-standing Mauritian based business as well as other global finance operations across our Enterprise.

Role Overview

The Software Procurement Category Specialist is responsible for supporting the execution of category strategies while also managing operational procurement activities for Software and Information Technology categories. This role combines sourcing, contracting, procurement execution, and strategic analysis to drive cost efficiencies, supplier performance, and procurement excellence across a range of On-premise and SaaS based software technologies. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, commercially astute, and capable of balancing transactional procurement with strategic category initiatives in a fast-paced and complex business environment.

As Procurement Category Buyer typical responsibilities will include:

1. 1.       Category Sourcing & Procurement Execution

• IT services space, including SaaS based enterprise software, security software and corporate IT services.
• Conduct market research, supplier analysis, and benchmarking to identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements as required.
• Manage the end-to-end procurement process, from supplier identification and bid evaluation to contract negotiation, contract award and PO creation.
• Lead RFQ/RFP processes, ensuring compliance with procurement policies and stakeholder requirements.

2. Contracting & Supplier Negotiations

• Negotiate pricing, service level agreements (SLAs), and contract terms to drive value for the business.
• Work with the Legal and Risk teams to review and draft supplier contracts, ensuring they align with corporate policies and risk frameworks.
• Monitor contract performance and ensure timely renewals, amendments, and renegotiations as needed.
• Proactively engage with OEMs and Value-Added Resellers (VARs) ensuring Software contracts are delivered timely, have the right requirements and deliver business value.

3. Supplier & Stakeholder Management

• Maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring high service quality and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Technology and Business functions) to understand procurement needs and align sourcing strategies.
• Participate in supplier performance reviews, tracking KPIs and driving continuous improvement initiatives as applicable.
• Support supplier onboarding and ensure compliance with procurement and corporate governance policies.

4. Purchase Order (PO) & Transactional Procurement Management

• Create and manage purchase orders (POs) in procurement systems, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.
• Ensure all procurement transactions comply with financial controls and company policies.
• With support from the Procurement buyer, track purchase requisitions, approvals, and invoicing issues, liaising with Accounts Payable and Finance teams.

5. Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze spend data and category performance to identify cost-saving and process optimization opportunities.
• Contribute to cost reduction initiatives, working with cross-functional teams to deliver procurement efficiencies.
• Support automation and digitization projects to improve procurement operations and reporting capabilities.

What makes a great candidate?

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business Administration, Finance or a related field.
• Experience: 3-6 years of procurement experience, ideally in Software and IT procurement categories.  
• Certifications (Preferred but not required): CIPS, CPSM, or relevant procurement/supply chain certifications.
• Industry Exposure: Experience in fast-paced industries such as Technology, Retail, FMCG, Manufacturing, or Financial Services is preferred.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in ERP & e-Procurement tools (SAP, Ariba, Coupa, Oracle, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with contract management systems and supplier risk management processes.
• Procurement & Sourcing: Skilled in strategic sourcing, supplier selection, contract negotiation, and category management.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong business sense with experience in TCO analysis, pricing negotiations, and cost-saving strategies.
• Stakeholder & Supplier Management: Effective at engaging stakeholders, managing supplier performance, and aligning procurement with business goals.
• Data & Problem Solving: Proficient in analyzing spend and supplier data; comfortable with large datasets and resolving procurement challenges.
• Organization & Prioritization: Capable of juggling multiple procurement projects while maintaining accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery.