Lead Procurement Strategist (Fully Remote)

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Equity options

Remote work

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Procurement Strategist to join a fully remote workforce from Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA. The role shapes and executes advanced procurement strategies across global markets, driving value and competitive advantage through strategic sourcing, negotiations, and supplier partnerships.

You will leverage data analytics and market intelligence to forecast trends, mitigate risks, and support growth.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in strategic sourcing and procurement leadership.
• Experience with global operations and large-scale negotiations.
• Strong analytical and stakeholder-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global procurement strategies.
• Lead high-value contract negotiations with international suppliers.
• Mentor remote procurement teams and drive process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and ethical standards.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Data analytics

Stakeholder management

Remote leadership

Education

Master’s degree in Business Administration or related field

Tools

SAP Ariba

Oracle ERP

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a rapidly expanding international firm seeking a highly accomplished Lead Procurement Strategist to join their fully remote workforce, contributing from Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA. This pivotal role involves shaping and executing advanced procurement strategies across global markets, driving significant value and competitive advantage for the organization. The Lead Procurement Strategist will be responsible for identifying strategic sourcing opportunities, leading complex negotiations with major suppliers, and developing long-term partnerships that foster innovation and efficiency. You will leverage data analytics and market intelligence to inform strategic decisions and mitigate supply chain risks. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a substantial impact within a leading company, enjoying the full autonomy and flexibility of a remote-first culture. The successful candidate must possess exceptional strategic thinking, negotiation prowess, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels through virtual communication channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement cutting-edge, long-term procurement strategies aligned with global business objectives.
• Lead the identification and evaluation of strategic sourcing opportunities across diverse spend categories and geographies.
• Orchestrate and lead complex, high-value contract negotiations with key international suppliers.
• Establish and manage strategic supplier relationships, driving collaboration, innovation, and performance improvements.
• Utilize advanced data analytics and market intelligence to forecast trends, identify risks, and inform strategic sourcing decisions.
• Develop and implement robust supply chain risk management frameworks and contingency plans.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure procurement strategies support business growth and operational excellence.
• Mentor and guide procurement professionals within the remote team, fostering expertise and best practices.
• Oversee the implementation of procurement technologies and processes to enhance efficiency and value.
• Ensure global compliance with all relevant regulations, policies, and ethical standards.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement leadership, and category management, with a strong focus on global operations.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing complex global procurement strategies resulting in substantial cost savings and value creation.
• Expert negotiation skills with a proven ability to close high-stakes deals.
• Deep understanding of global supply chain management, risk mitigation, and market dynamics.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills, with experience managing remote teams.
• Proficiency in advanced procurement analytics tools and ERP systems (e.g., SAP Ariba, Oracle).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, adept at virtual stakeholder engagement.
• Fluency in English is essential; multilingual capabilities are a significant asset.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive global health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Significant paid time off and flexible holiday policies.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and executive coaching.
• Autonomy and flexibility of a fully remote role with a global impact.
• Company-provided hardware and software for optimal remote work.
• Annual performance review with potential for equity options.