Lead Purchasing Officer

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Career development

Bonuses

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24, based in Cape Town, seeks a Lead Purchasing Officer to guide purchasing strategy and lead a team at our on-site facilities. You will oversee supplier relations, budget management, and data-driven sourcing to drive cost efficiency and value creation.

The role requires strategic thinking, strong leadership, and a track record in procurement. A dynamic, fast-paced environment with growth opportunities awaits in a leading enterprise.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of purchasing/procurement experience, with leadership experience.
• Strategic sourcing, vendor management and contract negotiation expertise.
• Strong understanding of supply chain management principles.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Experience with procurement software and ERP systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field; Master's preferred.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Cape Town for on-site work.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the purchasing department.
• Develop and implement effective purchasing strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Supervise and mentor a team of purchasing professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Oversee the sourcing of raw materials, equipment, and services, ensuring competitive pricing and timely delivery.
• Conduct comprehensive supplier evaluations, performance reviews, and relationship management.
• Manage procurement budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, policies, and ethical guidelines.
• Collaborate with production, finance, and logistics to meet business needs.
• Analyze purchasing data to identify trends, risks, and areas for improvement.
• Negotiate favorable terms and conditions with suppliers.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's in Business Administration

Bachelor's in Supply Chain Management

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Procurement software

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading enterprise based in the picturesque city of Cape Town, Western Cape, is actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Purchasing Officer. This senior position is critical for overseeing all aspects of the company's purchasing operations, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to quality standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong strategic mindset and a proven ability to manage complex procurement projects. As the Lead Purchasing Officer, you will be responsible for guiding a team and making significant contributions to the financial health and operational success of the organization. This role requires a dedicated professional to be present at our state-of-the-art facilities in Cape Town , fostering collaboration and direct team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the purchasing department.
• Develop and implement effective purchasing strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Supervise and mentor a team of purchasing professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Oversee the sourcing of raw materials, equipment, and services, ensuring competitive pricing and timely delivery.
• Conduct comprehensive supplier evaluations, performance reviews, and relationship management.
• Manage procurement budgets and identify cost‑saving opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, policies, and ethical guidelines.
• Collaborate closely with other departments, including production, finance, and logistics, to meet business needs.
• Analyze purchasing data to identify trends, risks, and areas for improvement.
• Negotiate favorable terms and conditions with suppliers.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in purchasing or procurement, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic sourcing, vendor management, and contract negotiation.
• Strong understanding of supply chain management principles and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in using procurement software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Ability to analyze complex data and develop actionable insights.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Experience in a fast-paced, dynamic industry is preferred.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Cape Town area for on-site work.

Benefits

• A competitive salary that reflects your expertise and leadership capabilities.
• An extensive benefits package, including medical aid, provident fund, and life insurance.
• Significant opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• Be part of a recognized industry leader with a strong reputation for quality.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment in a beautiful city.
• Regular performance reviews and potential for bonuses.
• Employee wellness programs and social events.