Purchasing Manager - Strategic Sourcing

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier medical coverage

Retirement fund

Performance-based bonuses

Leadership training & global exposure

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a visionary Purchasing Manager to lead procurement, drive cost savings, and optimize supply chain performance. You will oversee a team of procurement professionals, manage key supplier relationships, and champion best practices in sourcing and negotiation.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in procurement/strategic sourcing, with leadership experience, and a deep understanding of global supply chain dynamics.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field is required.
• 10+ years of progressive procurement/strategic sourcing experience, including 3+ years in management.
• Proven success in leading complex sourcing projects and achieving cost savings.
• Expertise in contract negotiation, supplier management, and risk assessment.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills; global supply chain knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies to optimize cost, quality, and delivery.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of purchasing professionals.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships, including contract negotiation and performance management.
• Conduct market analysis to identify sourcing opportunities, risks, and trends.
• Ensure procurement compliance with policies, ethics, and regulations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align procurement with business goals.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance procurement efficiency and effectiveness.
• Oversee department budget and P&L impact of procurement decisions.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies for critical supply chains.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Supplier relationship management

ERP systems

Procurement analytics

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field

Tools

ERP systems

Procurement analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct , is seeking a visionary and strategic Purchasing Manager to lead their procurement operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA . This is a leadership role responsible for developing and executing sophisticated purchasing strategies to drive significant cost savings and enhance supply chain efficiency. You will manage a team of purchasing professionals, oversee major supplier relationships, and champion best practices in sourcing and negotiation. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in strategic sourcing, a proven ability to lead teams, and a deep understanding of global supply chain dynamics. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a substantial impact on the company's bottom line and operational excellence. We are looking for a highly motivated leader with a strong business acumen and a passion for achieving world-class procurement results in a dynamic market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies to optimize cost, quality, and delivery of purchased goods and services.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of purchasing professionals.
• Manage and strengthen relationships with key strategic suppliers, including contract negotiation and performance management.
• Conduct market analysis to identify sourcing opportunities, potential risks, and emerging trends.
• Oversee the procurement process, ensuring compliance with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to align procurement activities with business objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the purchasing function to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Manage departmental budget and P&L impact of procurement decisions.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies for critical supply chains.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, with at least 3 years in a management role.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex sourcing projects and delivering significant cost savings.
• Expertise in contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and risk assessment.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of global supply chain dynamics and procurement best practices.
• Proficiency with advanced ERP systems and procurement analytics tools.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience in the manufacturing or logistics sectors within KwaZulu-Natal is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client is pleased to offer a highly competitive executive salary package, with annual earnings generally ranging from ZAR , commensurate with experience and leadership capabilities. This role includes a comprehensive executive benefits package, featuring top-tier medical coverage, a generous retirement fund, and significant performance-based bonuses. We are dedicated to fostering employee development through leadership training, industry certifications, and opportunities for global exposure. The company culture promotes innovation, collaboration, and a strong sense of purpose. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility for professionals based anywhere, with the expectation of occasional travel. This presents a remarkable opportunity to influence strategic decisions from afar and contribute to our client's success in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA .