Global Category Manager - Raw Materials

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 2,535,000 - 3,548,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary + bonus

Equity incentives

Global health benefits

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Global Category Manager to oversee procurement of critical raw materials in a fully remote role. You will lead global sourcing initiatives, develop category strategies, and manage key supplier relationships to ensure cost-effectiveness and supply chain resilience.

The ideal candidate brings a Master's in SCM or related field with 10+ years of strategic sourcing experience in chemicals/manufacturing, and a proven ability to lead remote, cross-functional

Qualifications

• Master's degree in SCM, business, chemistry, engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in strategic sourcing and category management for chemicals/manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global category strategies for raw materials, focusing on cost optimization and supplier innovation.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing processes: market intelligence, supplier selection, negotiation, and contracting.
• Manage relationships with global strategic suppliers, driving performance improvements and collaboration.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, disruptions, and new sourcing opportunities.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, and Product Development to align sourcing with business needs.
• Oversee supplier performance management, establish KPIs, ensure contractual compliance.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Education

Master's degree in SCM / related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle ERP

Data analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in specialty chemicals, is looking for an experienced and strategic Global Category Manager to oversee the procurement of critical raw materials. This is a fully remote position, allowing the successful candidate to operate from anywhere while driving significant impact on the company's international supply chain. The role involves developing and executing category strategies, leading global sourcing initiatives, and managing key supplier relationships to ensure cost-effectiveness, quality, and supply chain resilience. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in raw material markets and a proven track record of strategic procurement leadership in a complex, multinational environment. This role is central to securing the vital components that fuel our client's innovative product development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global category strategies for key raw materials, focusing on cost optimization, risk mitigation, and supplier innovation.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing processes, including market intelligence gathering, supplier selection, negotiation, and contracting.
• Manage relationships with global strategic suppliers, fostering collaboration and driving performance improvements.
• Conduct thorough market analysis to identify trends, potential disruptions, and new sourcing opportunities.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, and Product Development teams to align sourcing strategies with business needs.
• Oversee supplier performance management, establishing KPIs and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
• Develop and implement risk management plans to ensure supply chain continuity and security.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the raw materials category, leveraging data analytics and best practices.
• Manage procurement budgets and ensure adherence to financial targets.
• Provide leadership and guidance to cross-functional sourcing teams on a global scale.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing and category management, with a strong focus on raw materials within the chemical or manufacturing industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in global sourcing, complex contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• In-depth knowledge of global raw material markets, including pricing mechanisms, supply dynamics, and regulatory landscapes.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, essential for a remote leadership role.
• Proficiency with procurement platforms, ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and advanced analytical tools.
• Proven ability to manage global teams and drive consensus across diverse cultures and business units.
• A proactive, results-driven approach with a commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability.
• Must be able to work effectively in a fully remote setting, demonstrating high autonomy and accountability.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a substantial base salary, significant annual bonus, and long-term equity incentives. Comprehensive global health benefits, retirement savings plans, and generous paid time off are included. The fully remote nature of this position provides unparalleled flexibility and work-life integration. Employees will have the opportunity to shape global procurement strategies for a leading organization, working on impactful projects from anywhere in the world. Our client is committed to fostering innovation, sustainability, and employee growth.