Category Manager - Indirect Spend

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Category Manager focused on indirect spend to develop and execute procurement strategies across IT, marketing, facilities, and professional services. You will drive cost efficiencies, enhance supplier performance, and align with business objectives in Port Elizabeth.

The role requires strong analytical skills, cross-functional collaboration, and a proven track record in leading complex sourcing and negotiations within the South African market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of procurement experience focusing on indirect spend.
• Proven track record in category strategy and cost savings.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for indirect spend areas.
• Conduct market analysis, supplier research, and benchmarking.
• Lead complex sourcing events including RFPs/RFQs and contract negotiations.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance, and contracts.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define category requirements.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and spend consolidation.
• Monitor category performance against KPIs and financial targets.
• Mitigate supply chain risks in indirect procurement.
• Ensure adherence to policies, ethics, and regulatory requirements.
• Stay updated on market trends and innovative indirect procurement solutions.

Skills

Negotiation

Contract management

Supplier relationship mgmt

Analytical skills

ERP systems

Data-driven

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM/Business/Finance

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Procurement software

Analytics tools

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading industrial conglomerate located in Port Elizabeth , is seeking a seasoned Category Manager specializing in Indirect Spend. This strategic position will be responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies for a diverse range of indirect goods and services, including IT, marketing, facilities management, and professional services. The goal is to drive significant cost efficiencies, enhance supplier performance, and ensure alignment with the company's operational and financial objectives. This role offers a significant opportunity for impact and growth within a well-established organization in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape . We are looking for an individual with strong analytical skills and a proven ability to manage complex procurement categories effectively. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping our indirect procurement landscape and contributing to overall business success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for indirect spend areas to achieve cost savings and value creation.
• Conduct comprehensive market analysis, supplier research, and benchmarking for assigned categories.
• Lead complex sourcing events, including RFPs, RFQs, and contract negotiations with key suppliers.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance, and contracts to ensure optimal service delivery and compliance.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across various departments to understand needs and define category requirements.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, consolidation of spend, and best practice adoption.
• Monitor category performance against established KPIs and financial targets.
• Mitigate supply chain risks associated with indirect procurement.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Stay abreast of market trends, emerging technologies, and innovative solutions within indirect procurement categories.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in procurement, with a significant focus on managing indirect spend categories.
• Proven track record in developing and executing successful category strategies and delivering substantial cost savings.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach.
• Proficiency in procurement software, analytics tools, and ERP systems.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Experience within the South African market, particularly in the Port Elizabeth region, is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership potential and the ability to influence decision-making.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with performance-based bonuses and comprehensive benefits including medical aid, provident fund, and life insurance. We provide excellent opportunities for professional development, including access to advanced training, industry conferences, and potential for career advancement within the group. The role is based in a modern facility in Port Elizabeth , promoting a healthy work-life balance. Additional benefits include generous annual leave, employee wellness programs, and corporate discounts. Join a company that values strategic thinking and rewards its employees for their contributions.