Remote Category Manager - Indirect Spend

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive health benefits

Flexible remote work

Bonus potential

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic and experienced Remote Category Manager specializing in indirect spend to lead sourcing initiatives across IT, marketing, professional services and facilities. You will develop and execute category strategies, negotiate major contracts and manage supplier relationships to deliver cost savings and service improvements.

This fully remote role requires a minimum of 7 years in procurement, strong analytics, and proven cross‑functional leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years in procurement with emphasis on indirect spend.
• Proven success in category strategy and complex negotiations.
• Strong data analysis and remote cross-functional leadership.
• Degree in Supply Chain/Business; advanced degree or CIPS a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for indirect spend areas, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Lead sourcing projects, including RFx processes, supplier selection, and contract negotiation for major indirect categories.
• Manage and develop relationships with key strategic suppliers to foster collaboration and drive continuous improvement.
• Analyze spend data and market intelligence to identify savings opportunities and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across various departments to understand their needs and ensure effective procurement solutions.
• Monitor contract compliance and supplier performance, taking corrective actions as needed.

Skills

Sourcing strategies

Negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Data analysis

Remote leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or Business

Advanced degree or CIPS certification (a plus)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a strategic and experienced Remote Category Manager specializing in indirect spend, to lead sourcing initiatives from anywhere. This role is fundamental to driving value and efficiency across non-operational expenditures, including IT, marketing, professional services, and facilities. You will develop and execute category strategies, lead complex negotiations, and manage supplier relationships to achieve significant cost savings and service improvements. This is a key opportunity for a procurement leader to leverage their expertise in a fully remote capacity, shaping procurement strategies for diverse indirect categories and impacting the company's financial performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement best-in-class category strategies for indirect spend areas, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Lead sourcing projects, including RFx processes, supplier selection, and contract negotiation for major indirect categories.
• Manage and develop relationships with key strategic suppliers to foster collaboration and drive continuous improvement.
• Analyze spend data and market intelligence to identify savings opportunities and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across various departments to understand their needs and ensure effective procurement solutions.
• Monitor contract compliance and supplier performance, taking corrective actions as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in procurement , with a strong focus on indirect spend categories.
• Proven success in developing and executing category strategies and leading complex negotiations.
• Excellent understanding of sourcing methodologies, contract management, and supplier relationship management.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable insights.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams in a remote environment.
• Relevant degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field; advanced degree or CIPS certification is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive-level salary and bonus potential.
• Fully remote work arrangement with flexible hours.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits package.
• Significant paid time off and professional development opportunities.
• The chance to significantly influence procurement strategy in a remote-first global organization.