Category Manager - Indirect Spend

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Procurement tools

Paid time off

Company vehicle

Job summary

Placements24 in Mpumalanga is seeking an experienced Category Manager to oversee indirect spend procurement for a leading national construction firm based in Nelspruit. You will drive strategic sourcing, contract negotiations and supplier relationships to maximize value.

You will develop category strategies for IT, facilities, marketing and professional services; lead RFPs and negotiations; ensure policy compliance and risk management; and collaborate across functions to deliver cost savings and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement with a focus on indirect spend.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial modeling skills.
• Understanding of contract law and risk management principles.
• Experience with procurement software/ERP systems (e.g., SAP Ariba, Oracle) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement robust category strategies for indirect spend.
• Conduct market analysis to identify sourcing opportunities and supplier capabilities.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, including RFPs, RFQs, and negotiations.
• Manage supplier relationships and ensure contract compliance.
• Drive cost savings and value creation through procurement practices.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across departments to align needs.
• Monitor category performance and pursue continuous improvement.
• Develop supplier performance metrics and conduct regular reviews.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies and ethical standards.
• Analyze spending patterns for consolidation opportunities.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Financial modeling

Contract risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP Ariba

Oracle

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national construction firm, is seeking an experienced Category Manager to oversee their indirect spend procurement. Based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , this strategic role is responsible for managing and optimizing the sourcing of all non-production-related goods and services, including IT, facilities management, marketing, and professional services. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in category management, strategic sourcing, and contract negotiation, with a deep understanding of market dynamics. You will be instrumental in driving cost efficiencies, mitigating risks, and ensuring the quality and reliability of services provided to support the company's extensive operations. This role requires a strong analytical and strategic thinker committed to maximizing value from supplier relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement robust category strategies for indirect spend, aligned with business objectives.
• Conduct comprehensive market analysis to identify sourcing opportunities and supplier capabilities.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, including RFPs, RFQs, and negotiations, for key indirect spend categories.
• Manage and develop relationships with strategic suppliers, ensuring performance and contract compliance.
• Drive cost savings and value creation through effective procurement practices.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across departments to understand needs and ensure alignment.
• Monitor category performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Develop and manage supplier performance metrics and conduct regular reviews.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies, ethical standards, and legal requirements.
• Analyze spending patterns to identify consolidation opportunities and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement, with a strong focus on indirect spend.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex sourcing projects and negotiating significant contracts.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and financial modeling skills.
• Strong understanding of contract law and risk management principles.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP Ariba, Oracle).
• Experience within the construction or a related industry is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and drive initiatives within a dynamic environment.
• Reside in or be willing to work from Nelspruit, Mpumalanga .

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for advanced professional development and certifications.
• Access to state-of-the-art procurement tools and systems.
• Generous paid time off.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance may be provided.
• A collaborative and growth-oriented work environment in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga .
• Potential for career advancement within a leading national firm.