Category Manager

Onboarded Solutions; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Onboarded Solutions in Pietermaritzburg is seeking a procurement professional to lead category strategies and supplier management within the FMCG/food manufacturing sector. You will negotiate pricing and terms, manage supplier performance, and collaborate with Operations, Finance and Logistics to improve cost, quality and supply continuity.

A relevant qualification and strong Excel skills are essential. This office-based, full-time role targets candidates with practical procurement experience

Qualifications

• Experience in category management and procurement.
• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management.
• Advanced Excel and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing category strategies
• Managing procurement categories from sourcing to supplier performance
• Identifying, evaluating and negotiating with suppliers
• Negotiating pricing, contracts and commercial terms
• Building strategic supplier relationships
• Monitoring market conditions, pricing trends and supply risks
• Identifying cost-saving and value-engineering opportunities
• Managing supplier performance against KPIs
• Analysing spend and optimisation opportunities
• Working closely with Operations, Finance, Production and Logistics
• Supporting forecasting, planning and supply continuity
• Identifying and mitigating procurement and supply-chain risks

Skills

Category management

Procurement

Supplier relationship management

Negotiation

Education

Relevant qualification in Supply Chain, Procurement, Logistics or Commerce

Tools

Excel

Job description

Cato Ridge, KwaZulu-Natal

Full-time | Office-based

Food Manufacturing / FMCG

This is a key commercial role for someone who understands procurement, supplier management, negotiation and category strategy and enjoys identifying opportunities to improve cost, quality and supply continuity.

What you’ll be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing category strategies
• Managing procurement categories from sourcing through to supplier performance
• Identifying, evaluating and negotiating with suppliers
• Negotiating pricing, contracts and commercial terms
• Building strong strategic supplier relationships
• Monitoring market conditions, pricing trends and supply risks
• Identifying cost-saving and value-engineering opportunities
• Managing supplier performance against KPIs
• Analysing spend and identifying optimisation opportunities
• Working closely with Operations, Finance, Production and Logistics
• Supporting forecasting, planning and supply continuity
• Identifying and mitigating procurement and supply-chain risks

What we’re looking for:

• Relevant qualification in Supply Chain, Procurement, Logistics, Commerce or a related field
• Proven experience in Category Management, Procurement or Strategic Sourcing
• Experience within cold storage, logistics, packaging, FMCG, food manufacturing or a related environment
• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills
• Strong commercial and analytical ability
• Experience managing supplier performance and procurement costs
• Excellent Excel and reporting skills
• Strong stakeholder management skills
• Valid driver's licence and reliable transport advantageous