Category Manager (Ad.07.4)

Southern Centre For Inequality Studies; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution located in Johannesburg is seeking a Category Manager responsible for developing procurement and supply chain strategies. The role includes managing end-to-end tender processes, ensuring compliance with policies, and providing strategic sourcing support. The ideal candidate will have relevant qualifications and significant experience in purchasing and commodity management, specifically in ICT and Facilities Management. Attention to detail and excellent stakeholder engagement skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Matric plus a relevant Purchasing, Logistics, Supply Chain or equivalent qualification.
• 3–5 years' experience managing and facilitating tender processes.
• At least 5 years' experience in purchasing and / or commodity management.
• Exposure to ICT and Facilities Management procurement is preferable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end tender processes from initiation to contract award.
• Ensure procurement practices are compliant with University policies.
• Conduct strategic sourcing and manage related commodities.
• Provide procurement advisory services to internal stakeholders.

Skills

Procurement management

Strategic sourcing

Supplier management

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Project management

Education

Relevant Purchasing, Logistics, Supply Chain qualification

Tools

ERP procurement modules

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

Job Purpose

The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing procurement and supply chain strategies for designated commodities and services. The role supports the University's shift toward a more strategic procurement model by driving value-for-money, ensuring governance and compliance, facilitating efficient tender processes, and achieving measurable procurement savings.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end tender processes from initiation to contract award.
• Ensure procurement practices are efficient, effective, and compliant with University policies and relevant legislation.
• Conduct strategic sourcing and manage related commodities, with a strong focus on ICT and Facilities Management.
• Analyse category spend, develop category strategies, promote sustainable procurement, and apply total cost of ownership principles to realise savings.
• Provide procurement advisory services to internal stakeholders and project owners.
• Lead supplier management and negotiations to ensure optimal service levels and value.
• Handle stakeholder queries professionally to minimise risk and ensure transparent procurement practices.
• Stay abreast of market trends, pricing movements, and procurement developments; maintain a knowledge database.
• Ensure adherence to best practice, good governance, risk management, and audit requirements.
• Serve as a backup to the Operations Manager : Procurement and Head of Procurement when required.

Minimum Requirements

• Matric plus a relevant Purchasing, Logistics, Supply Chain or equivalent qualification (National Diploma / BCom / MCIPS / Postgraduate qualification).
• 3–5 years' experience managing and facilitating tender processes, including compilation, evaluation, and contract conclusion.
• At least 5 years' experience in purchasing and / or commodity management.
• Exposure to ICT and Facilities Management procurement is preferable.
• Project or process management experience is advantageous.

Attributes & Competencies

• Strong knowledge, understanding and experience of procurement, tender processes, strategic sourcing, and supplier management.
• Experience with managing tender processes from end to end.
• Understanding of legislation such as PPPFA, BBBEE, Competition Act, and CIDB Act is advantageous.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, administrative and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong organisational, analytical, process and project management abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail, ethical conduct and mindset, and service excellence.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively; strong administrative and record-keeping skills.
• Familiarity with ERP procurement modules and strong MS Word and Excel skills.
• Critical thinking mindset.
• Can work independently with minimum supervision and can work as part of a team when required.

Closing Date

19 December

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates. Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.