This month, SmartProcurement profiles Abdul Majid Mahomed from CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply)
Full name: Abdul Majid Mahomed
Position: Head of Professional Body CIPS
Who does the Professional Body report to: Amanda O’ Brien, Group Professional Standards & Regulation Director
Private sector or Public sector: A Professional Body operating in both sectors
Core business activity of the enterprise: To become the voice and the standard for the procurement and supply chain profession. It is an organisation that operates as a charity, striving for the maintenance of a public moral agenda. It aims to raise standards within the context of procurement and supply, and fights fraud and corruption.
Number of people in your organisation: In South Africa there are currently 17 personnel, and globally CIPS has over 160 staff
Management motto: “The best leaders are servant leaders – they serve those they lead” – Tony Hsieh, Delivering Happiness
Personal motto: Doing what is right, not necessarily what is easy
Membership of professional bodies: CIPS makes provision for entry level students wanting to make procurement a career, as well as experienced supply chain professionals wanting recognition against a global standard, while improving their knowledge and application of principles and good business practice
What is your vision for CIPS as a Professional Body:
1) To ensure full regulatory compliance of CIPS’ qualifications against that of the SAQA NQF framework and QCTO within the South African learning landscape; and to become the primary professional body in the field, delivering qualifications of a high standard that are aligned to the best internationally.
2) To provide support to students, members and study centres in their quest to improve throughput and quality graduates that will make a positive difference to ethical supply chain procurement and delivery, impacting positively on both the private and public sector
Personal best achievement: Managing a complex supply chain in the higher education sector. I was part of the senior executive team at Unisa where I managed over 400 permanent staff, an operation consisting of many digital and litho print machinery, a bindery, and many wrapping machines to deliver study materials to 400,000 students globally with a budget of over R700-million.
The person that has had the biggest influence on your life: Prophet Muhammad (on whom be peace) for his absolute integrity in all business dealings, and his firm stand against oppression and injustice wherever it was found.
The person that has had the biggest influence on your career: Jim Collins, with his research on what makes companies move from “Good to Great”
Person you would most like to meet: Nelson Mandela became my guiding light after I read “The Struggle is my Life” in the 1980s while it was still banned in South Africa.
What do you like most about your job: It is a fantastic new opportunity where I can add value through my extensive work experience.
Is there anything you dislike about your job: Nothing, as I have started about a month ago, and am very impressed with the company’s values, work ethics and culture; as observed when I visited the UK to meet the wonderful team at the Headquarters in Stamford, and the local team in Centurion, Pretoria, where we are based.
Businessperson who has impressed you most: Mirza Yawar Baig, a management and business consultant who also does professional coaching for individuals and companies.
Favourite quote: “Some people see things as they are and ask why. Others dream things that never were and ask why not” – the initial light that sparks all innovators into action
Your favourite South African organisation: Sasol – for their people centric and development inspired business
Your favourite global organisation: Toyota – for its quality, integrity and JIT operations that work seamlessly
Your philosophy about life: To be of service to humanity
Favourite reading: "Roots” by Alex Haley
Favourite music: Don’t listen much to music
Favourite sport: Soccer, squash, tennis, chess
Favourite website: Google
Hobbies: Hiking, travelling
Car: Toyota Fortuner, and offroading
Married: Yes and happily so
Children: 4 amazing, and now adult, children who serve as my moral compass
Twitter: None
Facebook: I avoid it
