Lead Buyer

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Performance-based bonus

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Generous paid time off and holiday use

Budget for professional development, 1

Access to leading-edge procurement 2

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a strategic Lead Buyer to oversee procurement activities across multiple product categories. This fully remote role supports operations linked to Paarl, Western Cape, and requires autonomous leadership to develop category strategies and drive cost savings.

You will manage key supplier relationships, lead complex negotiations, and mentor junior team members while collaborating with product development, marketing, and operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in SCM, business, economics or related field.
• 7+ years in buying/procurement/strategic sourcing with leadership.
• Proven multi-category experience and supplier negotiations.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting.
• Experience in consumer goods is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for assigned product groups to drive cost savings and improve supplier performance.
• Lead negotiation efforts with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and conditions.
• Manage and foster strong, collaborative relationships with key strategic suppliers.
• Conduct market intelligence and supplier research to identify new opportunities and risks.
• Oversee the end-to-end sourcing process, ensuring compliance with company policies and ethical standards.
• Collaborate with product development, marketing, and operations teams to understand needs and align sourcing plans.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and implement improvement plans.
• Manage procurement budgets and provide regular reporting on spend, savings, and key performance indicators.
• Identify and implement process improvements within the procurement function.
• Mentor and guide junior members of the procurement team as needed.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Category management

Supplier relationship management

Market intelligence

Procurement software

Advanced Excel

Stakeholder management

Remote work capability

Cost savings drive

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM/Business

Master's degree

Tools

ERP software

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established entity in the consumer goods sector, is looking for an experienced and strategic Lead Buyer to manage their procurement activities. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while driving significant impact for operations connected to Paarl, Western Cape. The Lead Buyer will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies, managing key supplier relationships, and achieving cost savings targets. We are seeking a candidate with a proven track record in strategic sourcing, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to lead complex procurement projects. This role demands a proactive leader who can operate autonomously in a remote environment, collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, and contribute to the company's overall success through optimized procurement practices. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the sourcing landscape for critical product categories.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for assigned product groups to drive cost savings and improve supplier performance.
• Lead negotiation efforts with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and conditions.
• Manage and foster strong, collaborative relationships with key strategic suppliers.
• Conduct market intelligence and supplier research to identify new opportunities and risks.
• Oversee the end-to-end sourcing process, ensuring compliance with company policies and ethical standards.
• Collaborate with product development, marketing, and operations teams to understand needs and align sourcing plans.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and implement improvement plans.
• Manage procurement budgets and provide regular reporting on spend, savings, and key performance indicators.
• Identify and implement process improvements within the procurement function.
• Mentor and guide junior members of the procurement team as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in buying, procurement, or strategic sourcing, with demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Proven experience in managing multiple product categories and complex supplier negotiations.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of procurement best practices, contract law, and supply chain management.
• Proficiency in procurement software and advanced Excel skills.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a remote work setting.
• Demonstrated success in driving significant cost savings and value.
• Experience within the consumer goods sector is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R .
• Fully remote work arrangement with flexible hours.
• Performance-based bonus and incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave.
• Budget for professional development, conferences, and certifications.
• Access to leading-edge procurement technology.
• Opportunity to influence strategic business decisions.
• Supportive and collaborative remote team culture.