Remote Category Manager - IT & Services

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Competitive salary and bonus structure

Professional development programs

Medical and wellness benefits

Generous paid time off

State-of-the-art remote working tools

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct is seeking a remote Category Manager specializing in IT & Services procurement across South Africa. You will develop and execute category strategies for IT hardware, software, cloud services, and IT consulting, while leading complex sourcing events.

This role demands deep market analysis, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to thrive in a self-managed, remote environment. You will collaborate with IT leadership and vendors to deliver cost savings and value creation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, business, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in procurement with IT/services sourcing.
• Proven category management, strategic sourcing, and complex contract negotiations in IT.
• Deep understanding of IT market dynamics, software licensing, cloud services, and IT outsourcing.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills for a remote role.
• Experience with IT procurement tools and e-sourcing platforms.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple projects remotely.
• Stakeholder management across levels of the organization.
• Familiarity with data security and privacy regulations in IT procurement.
• PMP or ITIL certifications are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement IT category strategies for IT hardware, software, cloud services, and IT consulting.
• Conduct market intelligence and supplier analysis within IT procurement.
• Lead sourcing events including RFIs, RFPs, and contract negotiations with major IT vendors.
• Manage and develop key supplier relationships to align with business objectives.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives and value enhancements within the IT category.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, ethics, and data privacy regulations.
• Collaborate with IT leadership and stakeholders to forecast future technology needs.
• Monitor category performance against budget and KPIs, reporting to senior management.
• Oversee contract lifecycle management for IT services and software agreements.
• Stay abreast of emerging technology trends affecting procurement strategies.

Skills

Procurement strategy

Negotiation

Market analysis

Remote work discipline

Stakeholder management

IT procurement

Contract negotiations

Cost optimization

Sourcing leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT / Business / Supply Chain

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is actively seeking an accomplished Remote Category Manager specializing in IT & Services procurement. This is a fully remote role, open to candidates across South Africa, supporting procurement operations formerly managed from Pretoria, Gauteng. The Category Manager will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies for IT hardware, software, telecommunications, and related professional services. This strategic role involves deep market analysis, supplier relationship management, and driving significant cost savings and value creation. Ideal candidates will possess a strong understanding of the IT procurement landscape, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to thrive in a self-managed, remote work environment. Join our client's procurement team and make a substantial impact on their technology procurement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for IT hardware, software, cloud services, and IT consulting.
• Conduct thorough market intelligence and supplier analysis within the IT and Services procurement domain.
• Lead complex sourcing events, including RFIs, RFPs, and contract negotiations with major IT vendors.
• Manage and develop key supplier relationships, fostering partnerships that align with business objectives.
• Identify and implement cost‑saving initiatives and value enhancement opportunities within the IT category.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, ethical standards, and data privacy regulations.
• Collaborate closely with IT leadership and business stakeholders to understand future technology needs and procurement requirements.
• Monitor category performance against budget and KPIs, reporting regularly to senior management.
• Oversee contract lifecycle management for IT services and software agreements.
• Stay abreast of emerging technology trends and their potential impact on procurement strategies.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in procurement, with a significant focus on IT and services sourcing.
• Proven track record in category management, strategic sourcing, and complex contract negotiations within the IT sector.
• Deep understanding of IT market dynamics, software licensing models, cloud computing, and IT services outsourcing.
• Exceptional analytical, negotiation, and communication skills, vital for a remote role.
• Experience with IT procurement tools and e‑sourcing platforms.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage multiple projects concurrently, and deliver results in a remote setting.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across different levels of the organization.
• Familiarity with data security and privacy regulations relevant to IT procurement.
• PMP or ITIL certifications are advantageous.

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement, providing geographical flexibility.
• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Opportunity to lead strategic IT procurement for a prominent organization.
• Access to continuous learning and professional development programs.
• Comprehensive medical and wellness benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• State-of-the-art remote working tools and support.
• A culture that values innovation and strategic thinking.
• Exposure to diverse IT vendors and cutting‑edge technologies.