Category Manager - Indirect Procurement

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work

Health, pension, and life insurance

International travel for supplierEngag

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a strategic and results-driven Category Manager with expertise in indirect procurement. You will lead category strategies, drive cost savings, and manage critical supplier relationships across IT, Marketing, and Facilities to support multiple business units.

This senior role requires a Master's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance or related field and at least 7 years of progressive procurement experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in procurement with a focus on indirect categories.
• Proven ability to develop and execute category strategies and achieve significant cost reductions.
• Expertise in contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and risk assessment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Advanced proficiency in procurement analytics and e-sourcing tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for indirect spend areas (IT, Marketing, Facilities).
• Lead complex sourcing events, RFx processes, negotiations, and contract awards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Manage supplier performance, conduct reviews, and drive continuous improvement.
• Analyze spend data and market intelligence to identify cost-saving opportunities and mitigate risks.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies, ethics, and best practices across categories.

Skills

Category management

Strategic sourcing

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Procurement analytics

Education

Master's degree in Business/Supply Chain/Finance

Tools

Procurement software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a strategic and results-driven Category Manager with expertise in Indirect Procurement to join their team in Durban . This senior role is responsible for developing and executing category strategies that deliver significant cost savings and value for non-production related goods and services. You will lead sourcing initiatives, manage key supplier relationships, and collaborate across business units to understand and meet diverse procurement needs. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to shape procurement practices within a dynamic industry, driving efficiency and fostering innovation through strategic category management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for indirect spend areas (e.g., IT, Marketing, Facilities).
• Lead complex sourcing events, including RFx processes, supplier negotiations, and contract award.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Manage supplier performance, conduct regular reviews, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyze spend data and market intelligence to identify cost-saving opportunities and mitigate risks.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies, ethical standards, and best practices across assigned categories.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in procurement, with a strong focus on indirect categories.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing category strategies and achieving significant cost reductions.
• Expertise in contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and risk assessment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Advanced proficiency in procurement analytics and e-sourcing tools.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, pension, and life insurance.
• Generous opportunities for professional development and international travel for supplier engagements.
• Dynamic and growth-oriented work culture in Durban .