Purchasing Manager - Petrochemicals

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level salary

Medical aid

Life insurance

Pension fund

Relocation assistance

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Purchasing Manager for our client in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior role leads procurement for raw materials, equipment and services, shaping strategy and supplier relationships across a large-scale operation.

The ideal candidate has a Master's in a related field, 10+ years in purchasing with 5+ in management, and a proven record in petrochemicals. Hybrid work with regular site presence is required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in SCM, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years in purchasing/procurement, with 5+ in management.
• Experience in petrochemical or heavy industry.
• Proven ability in strategic sourcing and complex contract negotiations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP) and procurement software.
• Understanding of international trade and logistics.
• Hybrid work model, based near Richards Bay.

Responsibilities

• Oversee strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier management.
• Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with company goals.
• Lead procurement team with mentorship and performance management.
• Analyze market trends and risks in the petrochemical supply chain.
• Negotiate terms, pricing, and SLAs with key suppliers.
• Ensure timely, cost-effective procurement of materials and services.
• Coordinate with Operations, Engineering, and Finance.
• Enforce procurement policies and ethical practices.
• Manage inventory levels and inbound logistics.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Supplier management

Team leadership

Analytics

Communication

ERP SAP

Procurement software

International trade & logistics

Education

Master's degree in SCM or related field

Tools

SAP ERP

Procurement software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical industry, is seeking an experienced and results-driven Purchasing Manager to lead their procurement operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior role will be responsible for developing and executing strategic purchasing plans for a wide range of raw materials, equipment, and services crucial to our client's large-scale operations. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of the petrochemical supply chain, and proven expertise in managing high-value contracts and supplier relationships. This is a critical hybrid role, requiring regular presence at our Richards Bay facility to oversee key negotiations, site visits, and team management, while offering flexibility for remote work. You will be tasked with driving cost efficiencies, ensuring quality standards, and mitigating supply chain risks in a complex and demanding market. This position offers a significant opportunity to shape the procurement strategy of a leading company.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all aspects of the purchasing function, including strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• Develop and implement comprehensive purchasing strategies to meet the company's operational and financial goals.
• Lead a team of procurement professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance management.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and potential risks in the petrochemical supply chain.
• Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and service level agreements with key suppliers.
• Ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of all required materials, equipment, and services.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, including Operations, Engineering, and Finance.
• Implement and enforce procurement policies and procedures, ensuring compliance and ethical practices.
• Manage inventory levels and optimize logistics for inbound materials.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions as needed.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in purchasing or procurement, with at least 5 years in a management role.
• Extensive experience within the petrochemical or a related heavy industry sector.
• Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing, complex contract negotiation, and supplier management.
• Proven leadership skills with experience managing a procurement team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and procurement management software.
• Understanding of international trade, logistics, and commodity markets.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, based in or able to commute to Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

Benefits

• Executive-level salary and performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, life insurance, and pension fund.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for suitable candidates.
• Significant career growth and leadership development opportunities.
• Exposure to major projects within the petrochemical sector.
• Dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Hybrid work arrangement promoting flexibility.