Lead Strategic Buyer - Raw Materials

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional development

Global remote role

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Lead Strategic Buyer - Raw Materials for a fully remote role. You will design and execute global sourcing strategies for critical raw materials, ensuring supply continuity and cost optimization while upholding quality and sustainability standards.

You will lead negotiations with international suppliers, manage supplier relationships, and collaborate with R&D and operations to forecast needs.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Supply Chain/Business/Economics or related field.
• 8+ years in strategic sourcing and procurement, with raw materials focus in manufacturing.
• Proven track record in global sourcing strategies and cost savings.
• Expertise in complex contract negotiations and risk management in commodity markets.
• Strong supplier relationship management with international suppliers.
• Analytical, financial modeling and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication and influencing abilities.
• Experience using ERP/SAP and data analytics tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global strategic sourcing strategies for key raw materials.
• Conduct market analysis of supply/demand, price trends, and geopolitical risks.
• Lead negotiations with raw material suppliers for favorable terms and pricing.
• Forge and manage relationships with global suppliers aligned to quality & sustainability.
• Oversee supplier performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with R&D, production and logistics to forecast material needs.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to raw materials.
• Ensure compliance with trade regulations and procurement policies.
• Prepare reports on category performance, market intelligence and savings.
• Mentor junior procurement team members.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier relationships

Negotiation

Cost optimization

Leadership

Data analytics

Forecasting

SAP

Education

Master's degree in SCM/Business/Economics

Tools

SAP

ERP platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading multinational manufacturing company, is seeking an experienced and results-driven Lead Strategic Buyer - Raw Materials for a fully remote position. This critical role will be responsible for developing and executing global sourcing strategies for key raw materials, ensuring supply continuity, managing costs, and driving innovation within the supply base. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of commodity markets, exceptional negotiation skills, and a proven ability to build and maintain strong supplier relationships. You will play a vital part in optimizing our client's supply chain, contributing directly to their competitive advantage and operational efficiency. This position demands a proactive individual capable of operating independently and collaboratively within a remote setting, making strategic decisions that impact global operations. You will lead a vital procurement function from anywhere, supporting our client's commitment to excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global strategic sourcing strategies for critical raw materials.
• Conduct comprehensive market analysis, including supply and demand dynamics, price trends, and geopolitical risks.
• Lead high-stakes negotiations with raw material suppliers to secure competitive pricing, favorable terms, and long-term supply agreements.
• Manage and cultivate strategic relationships with key global suppliers, ensuring alignment with our client's quality and sustainability standards.
• Oversee supplier performance management, driving continuous improvement in quality, delivery, and cost.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, production, and logistics teams to forecast material needs and identify innovative sourcing opportunities.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks related to raw material sourcing.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant trade regulations, ethical sourcing practices, and internal procurement policies.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on category performance, market intelligence, and cost-saving initiatives to senior management.
• Mentor and guide junior members of the procurement team as needed.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of extensive experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, with a strong specialization in raw materials within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful global sourcing strategies and achieving significant cost savings.
• Expertise in complex contract negotiations and risk management in commodity markets.
• Deep understanding of global commodity markets, including pricing mechanisms and influencing factors.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage high-performing relationships with international suppliers.
• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and strategic planning skills.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills.
• Proficiency in advanced procurement software, ERP systems (e.g., SAP), and data analytics tools.
• Experience working effectively in a fully remote, global team structure is essential.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of other languages is a plus.

Benefits

This is a fully remote opportunity offering unparalleled flexibility. Our client provides a competitive salary package, with earnings typically ranging from R to R per annum, plus performance-based bonuses. You will have the opportunity to work with a diverse and international team, contributing to strategic initiatives from the convenience of your home office.

• competitive salary package, with earnings typically ranging from R to R per annum, plus performance-based bonuses
• Employees receive comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• a robust retirement plan
• generous allowances for professional development, including conferences and training

Our client is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and provides access to cutting‑edge resources. Experience the freedom and impact of a senior procurement role with a global reach, all while enjoying the benefits of remote work. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to innovation and employee growth.