Head of Procurement

SUMMARY:
Help shape the next chapter of Cape Towns Most Loved Hotel.
The President Hotel seeks an experienced, commercially astute and strategic Head of Procurement who combines strong negotiation skills, operational understanding and a commitment to quality, service and long-term value.
You will lead Procurement and Cost Control across our 349-room hotel, ensuring purchasing decisions balance cost, quality, reliability, risk and operational requirements.

POSITION INFO:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Commerce or a related field. Recognised procurement qualification such as CIPS or equivalent professional certification preferred; a relevant postgraduate qualification is advantageous. Minimum 7 years' progressive procurement or supply management experience, including at least 3 years leading a procurement team or function. Experience within a large-volume hotel, resort, hospitality group or comparable high-volume service environment is essential; direct hotel or hospitality procurement experience is strongly preferred. Proven experience in strategic sourcing, category management, tender processes, commercial negotiation and contract management. Experience procuring across multiple categories, including Food and Beverage, operational supplies, outsourced services, maintenance, technology and capital projects. Strong understanding of inventory management, cost control, operational and capital expenditure procurement, and total cost and value analysis. Experience managing supplier due diligence, onboarding, master-data controls, performance reviews and supplier KPIs. Strong financial and analytical capabilities, including spend analysis, procurement reporting and the measurement of savings and cost avoidance. Sound knowledge of procurement governance, delegated authority, segregation of duties, supplier risk and business continuity. Experience implementing or improving ERP, procurement or inventory systems and approval workflows. Knowledge of the South African supplier market, commercial practices, B-BBEE considerations and ethical, sustainable procurement. Strong leadership, stakeholder-management, communication and computer skills. South African ID or valid South African work authorisation. A fully updated CV with contactable reference details. THE LEADERSHIP QUALITIES WE SEEK We are looking for a commercially minded and accountable procurement leader who can move beyond transactional purchasing, build capable teams and secure the best overall value for the hotel. THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL DEMONSTRATE: Strategic and commercial thinking: The ability to translate hotel priorities into sourcing plans that improve profitability, service and long-term value. Negotiation and sound judgement: The confidence to negotiate commercially while balancing quality, cost, reliability, risk and operational impact. Constructive challenge and influence: The ability to question historical purchasing practices, specifications and supplier choices while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships. Financial and operational discipline: A practical understanding of budgets, inventory, cost control and the demands of a large, high-volume hotel. Innovation and continuous improvement: The ability to use systems, procurement data and supplier innovation to improve efficiency, visibility and decision-making. Trusted and ethical leadership: High levels of integrity, professional judgement and accountability, supported by fair and transparent procurement practices. Collaboration and service: An approachable leadership style that builds effective partnerships with suppliers and colleagues across hotel departments. Empowerment and development: The ability to coach and develop Procurement and Cost Control teams, with clear responsibilities and performance expectations. Decisiveness and resilience: The ability to manage competing priorities, resolve supply challenges and protect operational continuity. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Lead the hotel's end-to-end procurement function and develop procurement strategy, policies, procedures, category plans and annual sourcing priorities. Partner with senior leadership and departmental heads to align procurement with operational requirements, budgets and future hotel needs. Lead strategic sourcing, RFQs, tenders and commercial evaluations, considering total cost, quality, service, reliability, sustainability and risk. Negotiate pricing, payment terms, service levels, warranties and other commercial conditions, and manage contracts throughout their lifecycle. Oversee supplier due diligence, approval, onboarding and master-data controls, maintaining accurate supplier records and a comprehensive contract register. Develop supplier scorecards, conduct performance reviews and manage supplier relationships, disputes and continuity risks. Oversee daily procurement across hotel departments, approve purchase orders within delegated authority and resolve urgent purchasing and delivery requirements. Work with Cost Control, Stores and operational teams to improve stock availability, inventory turnover, wastage, obsolete stock and stock-loss controls. Align procurement commitments with approved budgets, forecasts and cash-flow requirements, and measure and validate savings, cost avoidance and value improvements. Produce clear reporting on spend, contracts, suppliers, savings, compliance, inventory, performance and risk. Maintain procurement governance, documentation and audit readiness, including controls over supplier creation, banking-detail changes, conflicts of interest and purchasing commitments. Promote ethical, local, B-BBEE and sustainable procurement practices. Lead procurement systems and process improvements, strengthening data quality, approval workflows, efficiency and control. Lead and develop the Procurement and Cost Control teams, building a culture of integrity, collaboration, accountability, service and continuous improvement. WHY JOIN THE PRESIDENT HOTEL Set between the Atlantic Ocean and Lion's Head in Bantry Bay, The President Hotel offers 349 rooms and apartments, diverse dining spaces and Cove Wellness Spa. Join our journey toward luxury and lead a strategic procurement function with direct influence on profitability, operational performance and the guest experience. Work closely with the senior hotel leadership to strengthen supplier partnerships, develop capable teams and shape a modern, data-driven approach to procurement across every major hotel department. As a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, a Green Key certified property and winner of the 2026 GIFTTS Pineapple Award for Sustainability, we value responsible operations, local culture and exceptional hospitality. We offer a market-related package with company contributions toward medical aid and provident fund, and a welcoming team culture that values your contribution and supports professional growth. Our warmth starts with our people. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fair recruitment, inclusion and a workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and has the opportunity to grow.