Category Manager - Procurement

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive pay & bonus

Remote work flexibility

Health & life insurance

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a senior Category Manager based in Centurion, Gauteng, with remote flexibility. You will lead procurement strategy across assigned FMCG product categories, drive savings, supplier relationships, and ensure product availability while maintaining quality standards.

The role requires an MBA and 7–10 years of procurement/category management experience, with strong negotiation and analytics skills.

Qualifications

• MBA or related MBA-equivalent degree required.
• 7–10 years in procurement, sourcing, or category management in FMCG preferred.
• Proven track record of cost savings via strategic sourcing.
• Strong negotiating skills with major suppliers; excellent analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for assigned product groups.
• Conduct market analysis, benchmarking, trend identification, and opportunity assessment.
• Lead sourcing and negotiation with key suppliers for favorable pricing, terms, and service levels.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and drive collaboration and innovation.
• Monitor category performance against financial targets, SLAs, and quality benchmarks.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and operations to align with business goals.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives and process improvements in procurement.
• Oversee risk management for assigned categories and supply chain resilience.
• Stay updated on procurement best practices, regulatory changes, and tech trends.
• Mentor junior procurement team members as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Strategic sourcing

Remote work experience

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA)

Tools

ERP systems

Procurement software

Advanced analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major national distributor of FMCG products, is seeking an experienced and strategic Category Manager to oversee procurement activities within specific product categories. This is a senior role based in Centurion, Gauteng , requiring a deep understanding of market dynamics, supplier management, and strategic sourcing. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies that align with the company's overall business objectives, driving cost savings, ensuring product availability, and maintaining high quality standards. This position offers significant autonomy and the opportunity to make a substantial impact on the company's profitability and market position. The role is advertised as Remote , offering flexibility for individuals who can demonstrate exceptional performance and connectivity. You will be at the forefront of managing key supplier relationships and driving competitive advantage through intelligent procurement decisions within the expansive Gauteng market. Your expertise will shape the future of our client's product assortment and supply chain efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for assigned product groups.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis, including competitor benchmarking, trend identification, and opportunity assessment.
• Lead the sourcing and negotiation process for key suppliers, securing optimal pricing, terms, and service levels.
• Manage and nurture strategic relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Monitor category performance against financial targets, service level agreements, and quality benchmarks.
• Collaborate closely with sales, marketing, and operations teams to ensure alignment with business goals.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives and process improvements within the procurement function.
• Oversee the risk management framework for assigned categories, including supply chain resilience.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies in procurement.
• Mentor and guide junior members of the procurement team as needed.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management, preferably within the FMCG sector.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives that delivered significant cost savings and value.
• Proven track record of negotiating complex contracts with major suppliers.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in advanced analytics tools and ERP/procurement systems.
• Experience managing remote teams or working effectively in a remote setting is highly desirable.
• Understanding of global sourcing trends and supply chain dynamics.
• Ability to work autonomously and drive results in a remote work environment, based out of Centurion, Gauteng or capable of effectively managing responsibilities from anywhere.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• This Remote position provides the ultimate flexibility for experienced professionals.
• Access to advanced professional development resources and executive coaching is available.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits are provided, including medical aid and life insurance.
• A generous annual leave allowance and other standard benefits apply.
• Joining our client means taking on a leadership role with substantial influence in the procurement landscape of Centurion, Gauteng and beyond, with the convenience of remote work.