Superintendent, Contracts

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

Job title: Superintendent - Contracts

Site: Kansanshi Mining Plc, Solwezi.

Department: Commercial

Section: Contracts

Position reports to: Manager Commercial

Purpose

KMP Commercial’s primary purpose is to deliver value by providing safe, efficient and effective procurement and inbound supply chain services in support of the Kansanshi Mining operations, including mining, processing and smelting. Value is achieved through competitive supply markets, fit-for-purpose commercial terms, supplier performance improvement, supply security and measurable savings for the Kansanshi Mine.

The Commercial team is continuing a transformation and capability uplift journey, including a stronger category management approach to external expenditure. This role is expected to contribute materially to that transformation by improving commercial discipline, contract coverage, supplier management and process effectiveness across the Contracts function.

Key Responsibilities

The role is measured against these generic KPI’s. Specific targets will be set as part of the annual setting of performance objectives.

Improving team capability – coaching, training, maintaining a high standard. Maintaining strategic and critical suppliers under contract – contract coverage, expired contracts Delivering effective, quality supplier contracts – contract drafting and enforceability of clauses, in a timely manner Building strong/influential relationships with key HOD’s – providing sound commercial advice Initiating and delivering contract process improvements – to drive efficiency and effectiveness gains.

Demonstrating control over contracting process – correct measures in place to identify issues and risks in delivery.

Accountabilities

Safety:

Maintain the highest standard of health and safety performance by implementing a personal safety plan, exhibiting behaviours consistent with zero tolerance, leading by example with colleagues, team members and suppliers and acting in accordance with Kansanshi Health and Safety policies.

Leadership:

Building ever increasing capability within the Contracts Team.

Influencing and ensuring alignment with Commercial strategic objectives.

Providing vision and setting targets that contribute to achieving Commercial and business objectives.

Identifying opportunities for team development and driving initiatives to increase capability.

Measuring the performance of the Contracts team – maintaining the performance dashboard.

Escalating issues that require support from senior leadership.

Working closely with commercial staff, ensuring project proposals do not prejudice later negotiation stages relating to price or other contractual matters

Procurement Strategy Development and Application:

Collaborate with key stakeholders and develop a whole of business category strategy for the spend portfolio

Understand long term Operational requirements

Conduct market research and analysis on the spend category, identify supply market risks

Conduct risk modeling and analysis on category and develop mitigation actions

Implement and execute supply chain and performance improvement initiatives

Ensure documentation control of work instructions, forms, procedures, templates etc.

Drive systems & process automation in the Commercial Department, especially the use and adoption of Power BI reports, and an automated Service Request platform that tracks duration at every stage of SRs being processed through to completion. The system must identify the workload of Contracts Officers and highlight SRs that are not being completed within the set times

Supplier evaluation, Selection & Relationship Management:

Identify and develop alternative sourcing opportunities

Conduct supplier analysis and recommendations

Build knowledge on supply and demand by Operational department

Play a lead role in measuring supplier performance and delivering improved outcomes

Supplier data maintenance, data analysis, review and evaluation

Sourcing, Negotiation and Execution:

Negotiating, drafting and recommending agreements with external suppliers and vendors, including commercial terms and pricing, while balancing commercial outcomes with acceptable legal and commercial risk to the company.

Analyze and recommend desired contractual terms based on operational requirements

Leading supplier negotiations, attending meetings, providing information to/from suppliers

Lead negotiations with strategic partners / potential new vendors

Re-evaluate and optimize existing supply agreements

Managing the tender process

Utilising existing contract templates to draft contracts suitable for the spend portfolio

Contract management, implementation and execution

Maintaining and improving standard contract templates, commercial contract documents and associated guidance materials to support consistent, enforceable and fit-for-purpose contracting outcomes.

Service Delivery:

Monitoring contracts' status and expiry dates and ensuring their renewal/ replacement in a timely manner.

Operational and supplier relationship management

Supplier and customer issue resolution

Facilitate operational forecasting and planning

Analyse operational requirements (support the development of Scopes of Work), including technical specifications and risks

Project management and implementation

Providing technical support where and when required

Providing training where needed

Conducting reporting and performance analysis

General:

Alignment of the Contracts function within the broader Kansanshi context.

Provision of support, guidance and advice to the management team

Undertake other projects and tasks as allocated by your manager

Problem Solving

Typical problems may include:

Gaining support from key stakeholders

Access and accuracy of operational forecasts and historical data

Work through complex supply and project issues in a timely manner that doesn’t affect the achievement of key milestones

Conflict resolution with Operations and Supplier

Understanding Operational business goals and developing a trusted relationship with key stakeholders

Influencing supply markets, assessing supplier performance and management of suppliers to keep aligned with the Kansanshi strategy

Key Relationships

Senior Operational representatives – Superintendent / Manager / Heads of Departments

Senior Commercial Team members

Commercial peers and juniors

Legal Counsel – Lusaka

Critical/Strategic supplier representatives

Leadership Competencies

FQM Leadership Competencies

LEVEL

Description/ Key Behaviours

1. Fostering Teamwork and Collaboration

Recognise and use the skills of peers, encourage trust and open transparent communication and openly engage in difficult or “courageous” conversations with other team members/peers.

2. Leading and Development People

Share information with peers and get their views when making decisions and proactively discuss difficult issues or concerns with peers to find constructive solutions.

3. Maximising Strategic Effectiveness

Build own knowledge and understanding of the operational and business strategy and effectively identify and manage key stakeholder relationships in your business/function.

4. Change and Innovation

Help peers understand the drivers for change, lead and support change implementation efforts, show initiative by trying different methods of work and by changing methods that do not work.

5. Operational Excellence

Set clear priorities and follow through on project plans

Identify task or procedures that could be improved and encourage peers to do the same.

6. Sustainable Development

Consider the future impact of today’s decisions on peers, customers and the community, get input from key stakeholders when making decisions and solving problems and create solutions that maintain balance with regards to people, the planet and profit.

7. Leading Self

Taking responsibility and accountability for own behavior, performance and development.

Operational delivery - Taking actions that maximize Kansanshi’s performance and shareholder value

Managing External Relations - Anticipating, understanding and managing external views of the organisation in a way that strengthens corporate image and competitive advantage

Driving Change - Implementing change with determination and emotional commitment

Living the Values - Dealing with colleagues, external stakeholders and employees at all levels in a straightforward, direct yet sensitive manner

Business Focused Collaboration - Leveraging the skills of the broader organisation for competitive advantage through a willingness to share ideas actively and persuasively, whilst learning from others

Internal / External Impacts

The incumbent in this role is required to liaise with Operational stakeholders and suppliers regularly on both strategic and tactical improvements to the performance of the spend portfolio. Due to the nature and size of Kansanshi, decisions made in this portfolio have the potential to shape local regions. The incumbent of this role needs to ensure that the stakeholders have the required information to make informed decisions

Qualifications

All Academic qualifications and results must be verified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).

Bachelor's degree required in a commercial, engineering, commerce or law discipline.

Other Qualifications:

Licenses/Certifications:

Membership of a relevant statutory or professional body is preferred, where applicable.

Language:

Excellent written and spoken English essential

Experience

Resource Sector, or other asset intensive industry experience

A minimum of 10 years supervising/managing a commercial/contracts team

End to end category management with proven value delivery

Demonstrated ability to influence across a diverse stakeholder base

Strong understanding of procurement fundamentals, successfully delivering large complex projects

Market knowledge, knowledge management; including processes, tools, management and evaluation

Risk management including risk analyses

Tactical and strategic negotiation

Vendor and contract drafting/management

Operating in an international context, including participation in global teams and working with people and organisations in different regions/virtual teams

BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

Teamwork

Bold initiative

Thinking safety

Driving quality, accountability and disciplined execution to achieve results.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Effective use of Microsoft tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Highly effective written and oral communication skills

Strong commercial acumen and negotiation expertise

Effective time management and personal organisational skills

Strong problem solving, strategic and analytical capability.

Ability to formulate and present compelling strategies and business cases

Ability to achieve outcomes through influence and collaboration with others

Change management

Facilitation and/or training skills

Contract drafting

Personal/Interpersonal:

Relationship building

Consulting skills

Ability to work with people at all levels of the organisation

Conflict resolution

Logical and structured decision making

Ability to perform under pressure

Adaptability

High quality problem solving ability

Ability to work in virtual teams

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JR18334