Procurement Specialist (IT)

First Focus is Australia's best Managed Service Provider (MSP), with a team of almost 300 technical professionals across offices in Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines. We have grown consistently and profitably for over 15 years, and we're continuing to win new clients and challenge ourselves to rise to new heights.

We have just started the search for the best multi-client experienced Procurement professional in the Philippines. Why would such an amazing and talented individual consider coming to First Focus? What makes First Focus better than where you are today?

• We actively promote equal opportunity and fair treatment for all our employees, irrespective of their position, location or nationality, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture - grow your career!
• We understand the value you deliver, and we will give you the support to get the job done - be supported to be awesome!
• We find and retain the best - best Service Desk, best technical escalation, best team leads and managers, best team!
• We encourage transparency as one of the foundations of our culture, creating a healthier, more productive work environment while actively discouraging toxicity - be heard, feel safe to speak up!

As a Procurement Specialist, you are responsible for managing the procurement process on behalf of First Focus, with a focus on sales and reoccurring orders, to drive increased revenue and profit.

Your core responsibilities as a Procurement Specialist are focused on managing the procurement process end to end, building and maintaining strong strategic relationships with vendors and suppliers, acting as a subject matter expert for clients when determining their requirements and role modelling the behaviours that create a high performing, engaged culture.

Duties

We do not expect someone to have all of these. Familiarity and knowledge is the key to be successful in this role.

Sales Support & Quoting

• Seeks out the best solution available to the client
• Provides advice on the preferred solution when a request is made, and works with Technical Account Managers to implement or adapt recommendations
• Ensures clear communication paths to simplify always
• Supports the Technical Account Managers (but sometimes the client as well) in any way they need
• Completes market research & client research (understands what has been sold to the client in the past, preferred vendor)
• Seeks out the best price available within the market
• Prepares quotations in ConnectWise Sell
• Maintains tickets in ConnectWise Manage

Procurement

• Determines the most appropriate vendor for different orders taking into account various factors such as current stock levels, lead times and ordering history
• Manage the procurement process for software and technology licenses, including Microsoft products (MS Server, Azure, etc.), Adobe, Cisco/Fortinet, SSL, and domain management services (e.g., GoDaddy).
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors and licensing partners.
• Requests further information from vendors to understand lead times and advises on this to internal and external stakeholders
• Performs price negotiations with vendors based on order size, knowledge of the industry and previous pricing
• Has conversations around stock outages, price increases and new products with internal and external
• stakeholders
• Places orders and receives stock
• Ensures that all quoting, ordering and invoicing has been completed accurately

Bid Management

• Manages bid process for larger and reoccurring deals
• Has a strong commercial awareness around the market, available/current & upcoming solutions and understanding which vendors to approach for which solutions
• Maximizes each open opportunity to position First Focus in the best way to win the deal
• Ensures TAMs and other stakeholders are up to date in regards to bids and provides them with updates proactively
• Ensures that the bid is fit for purpose and that is meets all of the tender specifications to reduce the risk of rework or rejected tenders

Market Knowledge

• Regularly checks the market to ensure First Focus are using the best vendors, being provided with competitive prices and the best technologies based on current and future needs
• Understands available products and what margins apply to different products
• Is up to date with new products as they are released by vendors
• Builds commercial awareness by researching competitors, vendor offerings and key differences between vendors

Supplier Management

• Manages supplier relationships including standards, warranties, pricing and performance
• Negotiates with key suppliers to reduce costs based on previous order volumes and length of service
• Builds strategic relationships with suppliers to build stronger negotiating powers and increase company awareness
• Ensures frequent contact with suppliers to remain up to date and current with new products
• Seeks to understand client and industry information and shares this with the appropriate internal people
• Sources new suppliers as required

Requirements

In order to be successful, we are looking for someone with the following skills and experience:

• Experience as a Procurement Specialist/Sales Support/Sales Administrator/ any similar positions for at least 4 years
• Accuracy and high level of attention to detail
• Strong administration and coordination skills
• Ability to multi-task and adapt to changes quickly
• Outstanding communication skills and a keen attitude to learn and never stop growing
• Experience with ConnectWise is highly desirable but not required
• Advanced knowledge with MS office applications especially excel and spreadsheets
• Can work with minimal supervision
• Worked in an MSP type of environment is desirable but not required
• Worked in an international company with role as a Procurement Specialist
• Must be willing to work in our office in Ortigas or Alabang

Office Address

• 29th Floor, Robinsons Cyberscape Gamma, Topaz Road, Ortigas Pasig City Metro Manila Philippines
• 26th floor, Axis Tower One Building, Filinvest Ave, Alabang, Muntinlupa 

Additional Information

• Opportunity to work from home. If you are residing within Metro Manila or in other nearby provinces, a hybrid work set-up will apply.

Employee Perks

• First Focus understands the importance of flexibility for a satisfying work-life balance, which is why we offer hybrid working arrangements.
• ‘Never Stop Growing’ is deeply embedded in our DNA - we offer 10 paid study days each year and support employees towards certifications and qualifications - we will pay for the exam and will also give you a pay rise for achieving certs (conditions apply, of course)
• HMO from the first day of your employment
• Addition of one (1) dependent (e.g., your spouse) to the Company's HMO policy (which includes medical coverage plus dental benefits package) on the first day of your employment
• All employees have free access to Uprise, including 1:1 coaching sessions from qualified psychologists or counselors
• Dayshift, weekends off* plus25 days paid days leave annually
• Employee Referral Program (Php 20,000)
• Employee MVP Award (Php 10,000)
• Social events, End of Financial Year and Christmas
• Employee Profit Sharing*
• Loyalty bonus for long-term employees*