Merlisha Merlisha
@merlishamerlisha
Results-driven Supply Chain Expert with 25+ years of experience.
What I'm looking for
I am a results-driven Supply Chain Expert with over 25 years of experience in strategic sourcing, contract governance, inventory management, and supplier optimization. My proven ability to negotiate high-value contracts and drive cost efficiencies has ensured operational efficiency and financial sustainability in every role I have undertaken. I specialize in procurement and contract management, focusing on contract structuring, adjudication, supplier due diligence, performance monitoring, and dispute resolution.
Throughout my career, I have successfully led tender processes, supplier evaluations, and contract execution, collaborating with finance, legal, SHEQ, and operations teams to uphold corporate governance and maximize procurement efficiency. I am proficient in SAP, Sage 300, and Accpac, and I am actively learning Coupa, which enhances my ability to optimize procurement workflows. My commitment to compliance with legal, financial, and B-BBEE transformation mandates has consistently optimized Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and mitigated risks.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Supply Chain Specialist
Petra Diamonds (PTY) Ltd
Oct 2023 - Present (1 year 11 months)
Results-driven Supply Chain Expert with over 25 years of experience in strategic sourcing, contract governance, inventory management, and supplier optimization. Proven ability to negotiate high-value contracts and drive cost efficiencies while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Supply Chain Specialist
Huawei Technologies
Feb 2012 - Oct 2021 (9 years 8 months)
Led supplier selection and contract negotiations, securing competitive pricing and risk mitigation while ensuring regulatory compliance. Oversaw supplier relationships and performance reviews to ensure operational continuity.
Supplier Relationship Manager
ABSA
Jan 2010 - Dec 2011 (1 year 11 months)
Managed high-level supplier engagements, ensuring compliance and performance optimization while mitigating procurement risks. Oversaw supplier account plans and enforced regulatory compliance.
Chief Director: Supply Chain
Public Sector (DOJ, DOT, NPA)
Sep 2008 - Jan 2010 (1 year 4 months)
Led procurement and bid administration processes in compliance with National Treasury Regulations, ensuring cost efficiency and procedural transparency. Enforced regulatory compliance and managed vendor due diligence.
Supply Chain Analyst / SLA Manager
Virgin Mobile
Mar 2006 - May 2008 (2 years 2 months)
Conducted data analysis of procurement and logistics operations, optimizing supply chain performance. Developed and enforced Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
Commercial Manager
Business Connexion
Jun 2003 - Mar 2006 (2 years 9 months)
Structured supplier agreements to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. Managed end-to-end contract processes and aligned procurement strategies with legal and operational requirements.
Procurement Officer
Rand Merchant Bank
Mar 1998 - Jun 2003 (5 years 3 months)
Managed strategic supplier engagements and procurement optimization in the IT department, ensuring cost-effective acquisition of IT equipment and services while enforcing best practices.
Systems Administrator
ABSA Trust
Dec 1990 - Mar 1998 (7 years 3 months)
Managed LAN infrastructure maintenance and end-user support, ensuring optimal system performance and security. Played a key role in SAP conversion for enhanced system functionality.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
IQPC
Certificate, BEE Transactions
2006 -
Completed a course on Practical Techniques for Financing and Structuring BEE Transactions, focusing on compliance and financial structuring in procurement.
CBM Training
Certificate, Tender Management
2005 -
Completed a course on Compiling, Issuing and Evaluating Tenders, enhancing skills in tender management and procurement processes.
International Negotiation Academy
Advanced Diploma, Negotiation Skills
2005 -
Achieved an Advanced Diploma in Negotiation Skills, enhancing abilities in contract negotiations and supplier relationship management.
Rand Afrikaans University
Postgraduate (NQF7), Contract Law
2004 -
Completed a postgraduate qualification in Contract Law, focusing on legal frameworks and principles governing contracts, which enhances procurement and supplier management capabilities.
PSM College
Diploma, Supply Chain Management
2003 -
Earned a Diploma in Supply Chain Management, covering essential principles and practices in managing supply chains effectively to optimize operations and reduce costs.
George Washington University
Diploma, Supplier Management
2002 -
Completed a program in Supplier Management & Development, focusing on strategies for effective supplier engagement and performance evaluation.
Commerce Edge
Certificate, Supplier Management
2002 -
Completed a program in World Class Supplier Management, focusing on best practices in supplier engagement and contract administration.
IIR Training
Certificate, Procurement
2002 -
Completed multiple courses including Business Etiquette & Communication Skills, Service Level Agreements, and Advance Purchasing/Procurement, focusing on enhancing procurement and communication skills.
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
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