Lead Procurement Strategist

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Bonuses based on performance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct seeks a visionary Lead Procurement Strategist to define and execute the organization’s global sourcing strategy in a fully remote role. The position leads complex sourcing initiatives, delivering cost savings while building a resilient supply chain and guiding cross-functional teams in a virtual environment.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s in a related field with 10+ years in strategic sourcing and governance, plus strong negotiation expertise and ERP experience

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing and category management.
• Leadership experience of at least 3 years in a remote or distributed team.
• Expertise in negotiations, contract management, and risk mitigation.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term strategic sourcing plans for critical spend categories.
• Lead high-stakes negotiations with major suppliers to optimize value.
• Conduct market analysis, identify trends, and assess risks.
• Design category management strategies to maximize value and minimize risk.
• Mentor procurement team and promote a high-performance culture.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Strategic sourcing

Communication

ERP systems

Education

Master's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Lead Procurement Strategist for a fully remote position. This senior role is responsible for defining and executing the overarching procurement strategy for the organization. You will lead complex sourcing initiatives, drive significant cost savings, and build a robust and resilient supply chain. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of global sourcing, advanced negotiation techniques, and a proven ability to manage cross-functional teams in a virtual environment. As a remote-first organization, exceptional communication and collaboration skills are paramount. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic leader to shape procurement policies, mentor a team, and make a substantial impact on the company's success from anywhere. Join our client's forward-thinking team and lead the way in strategic procurement excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term strategic sourcing plans for critical spend categories.
• Lead high-stakes negotiations with major suppliers and service providers to achieve optimal value.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis, identify emerging trends, and assess associated risks.
• Design and implement category management strategies to maximize value and minimize risk.
• Foster and maintain strategic relationships with key global suppliers.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and departmental heads to align procurement strategies with business goals.
• Develop and oversee supplier performance management programs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function.
• Mentor and develop procurement team members, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Ensure full compliance with ethical standards, company policies, and relevant regulations.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, and category management, with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing complex global sourcing strategies and achieving significant cost savings.
• Expertise in advanced negotiation, contract management, and risk mitigation.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in advanced procurement analytics, ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and sourcing tools.
• Proven ability to lead and manage teams effectively in a remote-first environment.
• Strong understanding of international supply chains and trade regulations.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) are highly desirable.

Benefits

This fully remote leadership role offers a highly competitive salary of ZAR per annum, commensurate with experience. Employees receive an outstanding benefits package including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement plan, and performance-based bonuses. Our client is committed to professional development, offering opportunities for advanced training, certifications, and conferences. Experience a flexible, remote-first work culture that prioritizes work-life balance and employee well-being. This is an excellent opportunity for career advancement within a leading organization.