Category Manager - Raw Materials

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus program

Medical aid

Retirement fund options

International travel opportunities

Professional development conferences

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic and experienced Category Manager specializing in Raw Materials to join the procurement team in Nelspruit. This senior role will drive category strategies, supplier negotiations and risk management to ensure cost-effective, high-quality materials.

You will lead cross-functional collaboration with R&D and operations, oversee contracts, and deliver sustained savings while advancing supply chain excellence.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing and category management for raw materials.
• Proven track record of developing category strategies and achieving cost savings.
• Expert negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship skills.
• Strong analytical ability to interpret market data and financial information.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant field; Master's preferred.
• Excellent leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for raw materials.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify sourcing opportunities and risks.
• Lead complex negotiations to secure favorable pricing and terms.
• Manage end-to-end supplier relationship management.
• Collaborate with R&D and Operations to meet supply chain needs.
• Oversee contract management and maximize value from supplier agreements.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Supplier relationship management

Negotiation

Market analysis

Data-driven decision making

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management / Business / Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a strategic and experienced Category Manager specializing in Raw Materials to join their procurement team in Nelspruit . This senior role will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies that ensure a reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality supply of essential raw materials. You will manage supplier relationships, conduct market analysis, and lead complex negotiations to achieve significant cost savings and mitigate supply chain risks. This is a vital position for a procurement leader aiming to drive strategic value and operational excellence in a key supply chain segment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement robust category strategies for raw materials, aligning with business objectives.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis, identifying sourcing opportunities, trends, and potential risks.
• Lead complex negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and quality standards.
• Manage end-to-end supplier relationship management, fostering strong partnerships and performance improvement.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (e.g., R&D, Operations) to ensure supply chain meets business needs.
• Oversee contract management, ensuring compliance and maximizing value from supplier agreements.

Requirements

• 7+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing and category management, with a strong focus on raw materials .
• Proven track record of successfully developing and executing category strategies and achieving significant cost savings.
• Expertise in complex negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data and financial information.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Benefits

• A leading executive salary and a comprehensive bonus program.
• Full suite of benefits including top-tier medical aid and retirement fund options.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development conferences.
• Exposure to cutting-edge supply chain practices and strategic decision-making.
• A challenging and rewarding career opportunity within a key industry in Nelspruit .