Category Manager - Direct Procurement

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Stock options

Remote-first

Home office stipend

Leadership development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Category Manager for Direct Procurement to lead sourcing strategy for key direct materials in a global manufacturing context. This remote-first role requires senior leadership to drive cost savings and supply resilience across nationwide operations.

You will develop category strategies, manage supplier relationships at the executive level, and lead cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives.

Qualifications

• MBA or Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing and category management in manufacturing.
• Proven track record managing multi-million dollar spend and delivering cost savings.
• Deep understanding of global supply markets and commodity trends.
• Strong negotiation, contract management and supplier relationship skills.
• Experience leading cross-functional and remote teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for direct procurement to meet cost, quality, and supply targets.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing processes: RFx, supplier selection, and contract negotiation.
• Manage strategic relationships with global suppliers and drive collaboration.
• Conduct market analysis to inform strategic decisions.
• Drive total cost of ownership reduction and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with R&D, Engineering, Operations, and Finance to align strategies.
• Establish supplier performance metrics and improvement plans.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks and ensure business continuity.
• Lead cross-functional sourcing projects and initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Negotiation

Supplier relationships

Leadership

Remote team leadership

Data analytics

SAP Ariba

Market analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

MBA in Supply Chain

Master's in Business

Tools

SAP Ariba

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national manufacturing conglomerate, is seeking a strategic Category Manager for Direct Procurement to join their remote-first team. This high-impact role will lead the procurement strategy and execution for key direct material categories, driving significant cost savings, supply chain optimization, and innovation. You will be responsible for developing category strategies, managing supplier relationships at a senior level, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in direct procurement within a large-scale manufacturing environment, exceptional negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of global supply markets. This is a fully remote position, offering flexibility and the opportunity to influence procurement across Our client's nationwide operations. We are looking for a visionary leader who can identify market opportunities, mitigate risks, and foster strong partnerships that deliver competitive advantages. Your expertise will be crucial in shaping the future of direct procurement for Our client, impacting operational efficiency and profitability on a grand scale. This role is perfect for a seasoned procurement professional seeking autonomy and the ability to make a significant strategic contribution from anywhere, fully integrated into the team's collaborative culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for direct procurement to achieve cost, quality, and supply objectives.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing processes, including RFx development, supplier selection, and negotiation of complex contracts.
• Manage and nurture strategic relationships with key global suppliers, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis, identify trends, and assess supplier capabilities to inform strategic decisions.
• Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) reduction initiatives and continuous improvement within assigned categories.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, Engineering, Operations, and Finance to align procurement strategies with business needs.
• Develop and manage supplier performance metrics, conduct regular reviews, and implement improvement plans.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, ensuring business continuity and resilience.
• Lead cross-functional teams on sourcing projects and initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Master's degree or MBA in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing and category management, with a strong focus on direct procurement in manufacturing.
• Proven track record of successfully managing multi-million dollar spend categories and delivering significant cost savings.
• Deep understanding of global supply markets, manufacturing processes, and commodity trends.
• Exceptional negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in advanced procurement software, ERP systems (e.g., SAP Ariba), and data analytics tools.
• Demonstrated experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing remote teams.
• Fully remote work capability with reliable internet access.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and bonus package.
• Comprehensive benefits including health, life insurance, and retirement planning.
• Significant career development and leadership opportunities.
• Complete autonomy and flexibility with a remote-first work model.
• Opportunity to shape strategic procurement for a major conglomerate.
• Annual performance incentives and stock options.
• Home office setup stipend.