Category Manager - Industrial Chemicals

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level salary package

Performance-based bonus

Long-term incentives

Medical aid

Executive pension fund

Generous leave allowances

Travel to supplier sites

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Category Manager to lead strategic procurement of industrial chemicals in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role combines on-site collaboration with remote work flexibility to optimize the chemical supply chain and supplier relationships.

The ideal candidate will have a deep market understanding, extensive negotiation skills, and the ability to deliver significant cost savings while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in MBA, SCM, Chemistry or related field.
• Min 10 years procurement experience with at least 5 years in category management for industrial chemicals.
• Proven track record managing large spend categories and achieving cost savings.
• Expertise in contract negotiation and supplier relationship management in the chemical sector.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen to develop complex business cases.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of international chemical markets, regulations (REACH, GHS) and logistics.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems and advanced procurement tools.
• Strategic thinker able to translate business needs into category strategies.
• Willingness to commute to Richards Bay for hybrid work.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for industrial chemicals focusing on cost optimization, risk mitigation and supply security.
• Conduct market analysis of supplier landscapes, pricing trends, and regulatory changes.
• Lead negotiations with global and local chemical suppliers to secure favourable terms.
• Manage and mentor a team of procurement professionals in the chemical category.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers for collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Oversee procure-to-pay process for the chemical category ensuring compliance with policies and ethics.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations and SHEQ to ensure chemical specs meet requirements and safety standards.
• Identify cost-saving initiatives and efficiency improvements in the chemical supply chain.
• Develop and monitor KPIs for the category and report to senior management.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging technologies in chemical procurement.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Procurement strategy

Education

MBA / related field

Tools

SAP or similar ERP

Job description

About the Role

A leading industrial manufacturing company operating in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , requires an experienced Category Manager to oversee the strategic procurement of industrial chemicals. This pivotal role involves developing and executing category strategies that align with the company's operational needs and financial objectives. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the chemical supply market, strong analytical capabilities, and exceptional negotiation skills to manage a significant spend. This hybrid role allows for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work flexibility, focusing on optimizing the procurement of essential chemical inputs for diverse industrial applications. The position is based in the key industrial port city of Richards Bay .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for industrial chemicals, focusing on cost optimization, risk mitigation, and supply security.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis of the chemical industry, including supplier landscapes, pricing trends, and regulatory changes.
• Lead complex negotiations with global and local chemical suppliers to secure competitive pricing and favourable contract terms.
• Manage and mentor a team of procurement professionals responsible for the chemical category.
• Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaborative partnerships for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the entire procure-to-pay process for the chemical category, ensuring compliance with all company policies and ethical standards.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, and SHEQ departments to ensure chemical specifications meet business requirements and safety standards.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives and efficiency improvements within the chemical supply chain.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the category, reporting on performance to senior management.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging technologies in chemical procurement and supply chain management.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Supply Chain Management, Chemistry, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in procurement, with at least 5 years in category management, specifically for industrial chemicals.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large spend categories and delivering significant cost savings.
• Expertise in contract negotiation and supplier relationship management within the chemical sector.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with the ability to develop complex business cases.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of international chemical markets, regulations (e.g., REACH, GHS), and logistics.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems and advanced procurement tools.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business needs into effective procurement strategies.
• Residency or willingness to commute to Richards Bay for hybrid work requirements.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive executive-level salary package, complemented by a substantial performance-based bonus and comprehensive long-term incentives. Benefits include top-tier medical aid, executive pension fund, and generous leave allowances. The hybrid work model provides flexibility while ensuring strategic alignment and team collaboration. Opportunities for international travel to industry conferences and supplier sites are available. This role offers the chance to lead procurement strategy in a critical sector for KwaZulu-Natal 's industrial landscape.