Remote Category Manager - Indirect Procurement

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

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Category Manager specializing in Indirect Procurement for a fully remote position with a multinational client. You will own portfolio strategies for indirect spend across professional services, IT, marketing and facilities, and you will drive cost savings, supplier performance, and risk management from a global, remote setting.

The role requires strategic thinking, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams while building

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in SCM, Business, Finance or related field.
• Master's degree/MBA is an asset.
• 6-8 years of progressive procurement experience with indirect categories.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for indirect spend areas.
• Conduct market analysis and supplier research to identify best solutions.
• Lead cross-functional teams through sourcing events and negotiations.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance and risk globally.
• Identify and realize cost savings and value creation opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and contracts.
• Develop relationships with internal stakeholders to understand business needs.
• Monitor category performance against KPIs and budgets.
• Drive innovation and best practice sharing in procurement.
• Manage contract lifecycles and implementation of agreements.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Supplier relationship management

Analytical & financial modeling

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional leadership

Remote work discipline

Procurement software proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM/Business/Finance

Master's degree or MBA (asset)

Tools

ERP systems

e-sourcing tools

Procurement software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a large multinational corporation with diverse operations, is seeking an experienced Category Manager specializing in Indirect Procurement for a **fully remote** position. This strategic role will be responsible for managing a portfolio of indirect spend categories, including professional services, IT, marketing, and facilities. You will develop and execute category strategies, lead complex sourcing initiatives, negotiate high-value contracts, and drive continuous improvement in supplier performance and cost savings. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a proven ability to manage global supplier relationships and deliver significant business impact from a remote work setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for indirect spend areas.
• Conduct market analysis and supplier research to identify best-in-class solutions and opportunities.
• Lead cross-functional teams through complex sourcing events and negotiations.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance, and risk at a global level.
• Identify and realize cost savings and value creation opportunities across assigned categories.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, ethical standards, and contractual obligations.
• Develop and maintenance strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand business needs.
• Monitor category performance against established KPIs and budgets.
• Drive innovation and best practice sharing within the procurement function.
• Manage contract lifecycles and ensure effective implementation of agreements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Master's degree or MBA is a strong asset.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of progressive experience in procurement, with significant experience in managing indirect categories.
• Proven expertise in strategic sourcing, category management, and complex contract negotiation.
• Strong understanding of global supply chains and market dynamics for indirect spend.
• Excellent analytical, financial modeling, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management abilities, crucial for remote work.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and manage cross-functional teams effectively.
• Proficiency in procurement software, ERP systems, and e-sourcing tools.
• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and capable of working autonomously in a remote environment.

Benefits

This **fully remote** Category Manager position offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and retirement plans. Our client champions a flexible work environment, offering significant autonomy and work-life balance. You will have access to extensive professional development resources and opportunities for career advancement within a global organization. Join a collaborative and innovative team, driving strategic procurement initiatives impacting the company worldwide.