Category Manager - Indirect Procurement

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remote salary

Flexible working hours

Home office setup contribution

Professional development opportunities

Employee assistance program

Team-building events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Category Manager specializing in Indirect Procurement to join a remote, globally aware team. The role focuses on IT, professional services, facilities management, and marketing spend, developing strategies and negotiating with suppliers.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in indirect procurement, strong market analysis, and the ability to lead tenders while working effectively from a remote setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in indirect procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing.
• Experience negotiating complex contracts and achieving cost savings.
• Strong understanding of indirect spend categories and associated markets.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in procurement software and MS Office Suite.
• Exceptional communication and remote stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for indirect spend areas, including IT, professional services, travel, and facilities.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement initiatives to achieve budget targets.
• Conduct market research and analysis to understand supplier capabilities and market dynamics.
• Lead tender processes, including RFPs and RFQs, and manage supplier negotiations.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Manage supplier performance, conduct regular reviews, and ensure adherence to contractual obligations.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and procedures.
• Identify and assess supply chain risks and develop mitigation plans.

Skills

Negotiation

Strategic sourcing

Analytical skills

Remote stakeholder management

MS Office

Procurement software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Supply Chain

Tools

ESourcing platforms

Procurement software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a large industrial conglomerate operating in various sectors, is looking for a skilled Category Manager specializing in Indirect Procurement to join their remote team. This role is crucial for managing and optimizing the spend across non-direct categories such as IT, professional services, facilities management, and marketing. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to develop category strategies, conduct thorough market analysis, and negotiate effectively with a wide range of suppliers. This is a remote-first position, offering significant flexibility for the right professional. You will be instrumental in driving cost savings, improving supplier performance, and ensuring value for money across all indirect spend areas. The focus is on building strategic partnerships and implementing best-in-class procurement practices from a distance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for indirect spend areas, including IT, professional services, travel, and facilities.


• Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement initiatives to achieve budget targets.


• Conduct market research and analysis to understand supplier capabilities and market dynamics.


• Lead tender processes, including RFPs and RFQs, and manage supplier negotiations.


• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders and external suppliers.


• Manage supplier performance, conduct regular reviews, and ensure adherence to contractual obligations.


• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and procedures.


• Identify and assess supply chain risks within assigned categories and develop mitigation plans.


• Support the implementation of new procurement technologies and processes.


• Provide market insights and recommendations to stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.


• Minimum of 5 years of experience in indirect procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing.


• Demonstrated experience in negotiating complex contracts and achieving cost savings.


• Strong understanding of indirect spend categories and associated markets.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.


• Proficiency in procurement software and MS Office Suite.


• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage remote relationships effectively.


• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a remote setting.


• Experience with e-sourcing platforms is highly desirable.


• Based within South Africa and able to work effectively remotely.

Benefits

• Competitive remote salary.


• Flexible working hours.


• Opportunity to work with a globally recognized company.


• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.


• Contribution towards home office setup.


• Access to a comprehensive employee assistance program.


• Participation in company-wide virtual events and team-building activities.


• Enhanced work-life balance.


• Performance-based incentives.


• Contribution to a provident fund.