Senior Category Specialist - SAMISHO Consulting Pty Ltd

ABOUT GEMFIELDS LTD (“GEMFIELDS”)  

Gemfields is a subsidiary of Johannesburg and London AIM-listed Gemfields Group 
Limited (“GGL”), which is a world-leading miner of responsible coloured gemstones. 
Gemfields is the operator and 75% owner of both the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia 
(believed to be the world's single largest producing emerald mine) and the Montepuez ruby 
mine in Mozambique (one of the most significant recently discovered ruby deposits in the 
world).  
In addition, Gemfields also holds controlling interests in various other gemstone mining 
and prospecting licenses in Zambia, Mozambique, Ethiopia and Madagascar.  
GGL also holds minority interests in PGM assets. 
Supported by a world-class management team of seasoned industry experts, Gemfields 
prides itself on transparency. Our dedication to preserving the environment, nurturing 
relationships with local communities and upholding human rights remains a driving factor 
in our success. 

Position Overview:  
The Category Specialist is responsible for developing and executing sourcing and category 
plans for assigned spend portfolios in support of the mine’s operational requirements. The 
role analyses demand, spend and supply markets; leads competitive sourcing and 
contracting activities; manages supplier performance and risk; and delivers measurable 
value through cost optimization, security of supply, quality, sustainability and compliance. 

The role responsibilities will include: 

Category Strategy and Planning

• Develop and maintain category strategies aligned with operational plans, budgets 
• and supply chain objectives.
• Analyse spend, demand forecasts, market trends, supplier capability and total cost 
  of ownership to identify value opportunities. 
• Build category pipelines and sourcing plans that protect continuity of supply and 
  reduce commercial and operational risk. 
• Maintain category data, dashboards, savings trackers and benefits-realisation 
  reports. 

Procurement & Sourcing 

• Plan and execute requests for information, quotations and proposals, tender 
  evaluations and supplier selection for assigned categories. 
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, service levels and risk allocations to achieve 
  fit-for-purpose, value-for-money outcomes. 
• Prepare business cases, evaluation reports, award recommendations, contracts 
  and purchase agreements in line with delegated authority. 
• Coordinate with legal, finance, operations and HSEQ stakeholders to ensure 
  requirements are clearly defined and contracts are executable. 

Stakeholder and Operational Support 

• Partner with end users to define specifications, forecast demand, consolidate 
  requirements and manage sourcing timelines. 
• Resolve procurement, delivery, quality and invoice issues in collaboration with 
  suppliers and internal teams. 
• Provide commercial advice and market intelligence to support budgeting, 
  shutdowns, projects and operational planning. 

Commercial Value and Risk Management 

• Deliver agreed savings, cost avoidance and working-capital improvements, 
  supported by auditable calculations. 
• Apply total-cost-of-ownership principles when evaluating price, logistics, 
  inventory, quality, maintenance and lifecycle costs. 
• Identify category and supplier risks and implement mitigation, contingency and 
  continuity plans 
• Conduct vendor risk assessment

Governance, Compliance and Inclusive Procurement 

• Ensure sourcing and contracting activities comply with company policies, 
  delegated authorities, legal requirements and ethical standards. 
• Maintain complete and accurate sourcing, approval, contracting and supplier 
  records for audit purposes. 
• Support local and inclusive procurement objectives through supplier 
  identification, development and fair access to opportunities. 

HSEQ Accountability 

• Integrate safety, health, environmental, quality and sustainability requirements 
  into supplier enquiries, evaluations and contracts. 
• Verify that suppliers meet relevant HSEQ standards and address identified 
  deficiencies through agreed improvement actions. 
• Promote responsible sourcing and safe supplier performance across assigned categories. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant tertiary qualification in Supply Chain Management, 
  Procurement, Commerce, Business Administration. 
• CIPS, CPSM or equivalent professional certification is advantageous. 

Experience: 
At least five years’ relevant experience in category management, strategic sourcing, 
procurement or contract management, preferably within mining, heavy industry or a 
remote operational environment. 

Essential Skills: 

• Strategic sourcing, tendering, commercial evaluation and contract administration.
• Negotiation, supplier relationship management and performance improvement. 
• Spend analysis, market research, financial evaluation and total cost of ownership. 
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, problem-solving and report
  writing skills. 
• Sound understanding of procurement governance, ethics, risk and compliance. 
• Professional, methodical, and detail‑oriented approach to work. 

Desirable Skills: 

• Knowledge of mining consumables, mobile equipment, maintenance services, fuel, 
  logistics or project procurement; experience and cross-cultural working 
  environments. 
• Portuguese language capability is advantageous.

Software Skills: 
Proficiency in ERP and e-sourcing systems, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word and 
reporting or data-visualisation tools.