Remote Category Manager - IT Hardware

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development allowances

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Remote Category Manager - IT Hardware to lead global IT hardware procurement strategy and supplier negotiations. This fully remote role focuses on delivering cost savings, optimizing supplier performance, and shaping technology procurement across the organization.

You will develop category strategies, manage key supplier relationships, and collaborate with IT teams to align hardware roadmaps with business needs in a remote, international setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, IT or related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for IT hardware (servers, laptops, networking equipment, peripherals).
• Conduct market analysis and supplier research to identify cost savings and innovative solutions.
• Lead complex negotiations with IT hardware vendors for favorable pricing, terms, and SLAs.
• Manage relationships with IT hardware suppliers to ensure performance.
• Maintain a robust supplier performance management framework.
• Collaborate with IT teams and business units on hardware requirements and roadmaps.
• Identify and mitigate IT hardware supply chain risks.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulations.
• Prepare category performance reports including spend analysis and savings.
• Drive continuous improvement in IT hardware procurement.

Skills

Procurement strategy

IT hardware

Negotiation

Supplier management

Data analysis

ERP systems

Remote work

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master's degree

Tools

ERP software

Procurement software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing international technology firm, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Remote Category Manager - IT Hardware to join their global procurement team. This fully remote position is crucial for developing and executing procurement strategies for IT hardware across the entire organization. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the IT hardware market, strong negotiation abilities, and a proven history of delivering cost savings and improving supplier performance. You will be responsible for managing key supplier relationships, identifying new sourcing opportunities, and ensuring that our client receives the best possible value for their IT hardware investments. This role requires a self-starter who can thrive in a remote work environment and contribute to strategic decision-making without geographical limitations. You will be a key player in shaping our client's technology procurement landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for IT hardware (servers, laptops, networking equipment, peripherals, etc.).


• Conduct in-depth market analysis and supplier research to identify potential cost savings and innovative solutions.


• Lead complex negotiations with IT hardware vendors to secure favorable pricing, terms, and service level agreements.


• Manage and nurture relationships with key IT hardware suppliers, fostering collaboration and ensuring performance.


• Develop and maintain a robust supplier performance management framework.


• Collaborate closely with IT teams and other business units to understand their hardware requirements and future technology roadmaps.


• Identify and mitigate risks within the IT hardware supply chain.


• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies, ethical standards, and relevant regulations.


• Prepare and present detailed category performance reports, including spend analysis and savings achieved.


• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the IT hardware procurement category.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, or a related field.


• A Master's degree is a plus.


• Minimum of 6 years of experience in procurement, with a significant focus on IT hardware categories.


• Demonstrated success in developing and executing category strategies and delivering substantial cost savings.


• Expertise in negotiating complex contracts with large IT vendors.


• Proven ability to manage global supplier relationships and performance effectively.


• Strong understanding of current IT hardware technologies, market trends, and sourcing best practices.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.


• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.


• Proficiency in procurement software, ERP systems, and data analysis tools.


• Experience working in a fully remote, global team environment is essential.


• Relevant certifications (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) are highly desirable.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position, offering the ultimate flexibility and work-life balance. Our client provides a highly competitive salary ranging from R to R per annum, along with performance bonuses. We invest in our employees' growth through access to online courses, conferences, and certifications. You will be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team that values innovation and diversity. Enjoy the autonomy of working from your preferred location while contributing to a leading technology company's global success. This role is designed for a results-oriented professional who excels in a virtual setting, with opportunities for advancement within our expanding international operations.

• comprehensive health insurance


• a generous retirement savings plan


• substantial professional development allowances