Remote Category Manager - Indirect Spend

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Flexible schedule

Competitive salary and bonuses

Health and wellness benefits

Remote collaboration tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Remote Category Manager for Indirect Spend. The role focuses on IT, marketing, services, and facilities, driving cost savings and risk mitigation from a home office within South Africa. You will craft category strategies, lead complex sourcing events, and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver value.

The position is fully remote with a strong emphasis on negotiation, analytics, and global procurement practices, based near Cape Town or anywhere in SA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Economics, or related field.
• Master's degree or CIPS/standalone certification is a plus.
• 7+ years in strategic sourcing or category management, esp. indirect spend.
• Strong negotiation, analytics, and stakeholder influence.
• Experience with ERP and e-procurement tools; ability to work remotely.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for indirect spend categories.
• Lead RFIs, RFPs, RFQs and supplier negotiations for optimal terms.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align procurement with goals.
• Establish supplier performance programs and drive continuous improvement.
• Monitor savings, risks, and opportunities; report to leadership.
• Stay updated on indirect procurement best practices and trends.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Negotiation

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Remote work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Master's degree or CIPS certification considered a plus

Tools

ERP systems

e-procurement tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in technology services, is seeking a highly skilled and proactive Remote Category Manager focusing on Indirect Spend. This position is a fully remote role, allowing you to contribute from anywhere within South Africa. You will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies for various indirect spend areas, including IT, marketing, professional services, and facilities. Your primary objective will be to drive cost savings, mitigate risks, and enhance value across these categories. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong analytical capabilities and exceptional negotiation skills. You will work closely with internal stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure procurement solutions align with business objectives. Join our client's innovative and forward-thinking procurement team, operating entirely remotely to foster a flexible and productive work environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape significant spend categories and drive impactful results from the comfort of your home office, based near Cape Town, Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for key indirect spend categories, aligned with business objectives and market intelligence.
• Conduct thorough market analysis to identify potential suppliers, evaluate market trends, and assess supplier capabilities.
• Lead and manage complex sourcing events (RFIs, RFPs, RFQs) and supplier negotiations to secure optimal terms, pricing, and service levels.
• Establish and manage strong, collaborative relationships with key internal stakeholders across various departments to understand their needs and drive alignment.
• Develop and implement supplier performance management programs, ensuring compliance with contracts and driving continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and value enhancement within assigned categories.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, ethical standards, and relevant regulations throughout the procurement lifecycle.
• Monitor and report on category performance, savings achieved, risks, and opportunities to senior management.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends in indirect procurement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Economics, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant professional certification (e.g., CIPS) is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in strategic sourcing and category management, with a significant focus on indirect spend categories.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex negotiations and managing multi-year contracts.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations.
• Proficiency with e-procurement tools and ERP systems.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively in a remote setting.
• Experience working in a global or multinational organization is preferred.
• Must be legally eligible to work remotely in South Africa.

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement with a flexible schedule.
• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to work with a leading international company.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Access to state-of-the-art remote collaboration tools.
• Contribute to shaping global procurement strategies from Cape Town, Western Cape or anywhere in South Africa.