Category Manager - Indirects

De Beers Group; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global mining company is looking for a Supply Chain Manager to oversee strategic sourcing and category management. The ideal candidate will have 5-10 years of experience and a degree in related fields. This role focuses on supplier relationships, contract management, and driving cost-saving initiatives while adhering to sustainability practices. Strong negotiation and analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years in sourcing and category management experience required.
• Strong negotiation, business case development, and investment skills.
• Proven practical supply chain knowledge necessary.

Responsibilities

• Manage the supply of commodities and services for the organization.
• Develop and implement category strategies to drive value delivery.
• Foster relationships with strategic suppliers and manage contracts.

Skills

Supplier Relationship Management

Negotiation Skills

Market Research

Spend Analytics

Category Knowledge

Education

Degree in Commercial, Business, or Engineering disciplines

MBA or MCIPs

Job description

Job Description

Purpose of the role:

Manage the supply of strategic Upstream Commodities and Services to the De Beers Group of Companies (GoC) to ensure:

• Maximum benefit and value add, aligned with the organization's strategic needs
• Operational and contractual compliance to minimize business risk
• Strategic supplier relationship management

Lead the development and implementation of category strategies to drive:

• Value delivery
• Spend and cost optimization
• Supply risk mitigation

Focus on reducing costs sustainably while meeting company objectives, including local and HDSA spend.

Be responsible for creating and maintaining contracts for the De Beers group, fostering relationships with strategic suppliers, and managing Total Cost of Ownership benefits to satisfy business needs.

Key result Areas:

Develop, improve, and implement category strategies with stakeholder input, ensuring effective sourcing, contracting, and contract management activities. Negotiate and finalize strategic agreements, working with Group Legal to develop bespoke contracts that outline innovation, joint development, technical, commercial, relationship, and performance expectations.

Support sustainability and social initiatives by understanding community ESG needs, embedding inclusive procurement in strategies and agreements, and promoting sustainable value through ESG, TCO, innovation, and cost reduction.

Manage supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery, develop key supplier engagement plans, review vendor performance, and ensure contractual compliance.

Drive supply chain excellence by adopting standards and best practices, establishing communities of practice, monitoring supplier KPIs, managing contractual risks, and integrating client and technical requirements with business objectives.

Lead, develop, and coach a team of commercial professionals, overseeing work planning, execution, and performance management.

Ensure governance and compliance with internal policies and legislative requirements related to sourcing and contract management.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Commercial, Business, or Engineering disciplines
• Advanced qualifications (MBA, MCIPs) are advantageous
• Extensive experience in Supply Chain or Mining/Plant/Maintenance environments

Experience:

• 5-10 years in sourcing and category management
• Experience in both direct and indirect category management
• Proven practical experience and technical knowledge across the supply chain
• Knowledge of safety, sustainability, and inclusive procurement
• Strong negotiation, business case development, and investment skills
• Knowledge of legislative and De Beers requirements
• Advanced knowledge of category management, TCO, SRM, and contracting

Skills and Competencies:

Technical:

• Supplier Relationship Management
• Procurement Policies & Processes
• Market Research
• Negotiation
• Category Knowledge
• TCO Modeling
• Spend Analytics
• Contract Management
• Supplier Governance
• Cross-Functional Relationship Management
• Sourcing Strategy & Value Creation

Non-technical:

• Interpersonal Skills
• Negotiation Skills
• Networking Skills
• Business Acumen
• Change Management Skills

Additional Information:

Preference for HDSA candidates; consideration given to Employment Equity Policy and Labour Plan.

Closing Date: 31 July 2025

Who we are:

De Beers Group is committed to safety, diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, aiming to make a positive impact on communities and the environment.