Remote Category Manager - IT & Services

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Executive compensation package

Professional development budget

Home office allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Remote Category Manager to lead sourcing and strategy for IT and Technology Services. This fully remote role supports a rapidly expanding financial services organization, with global supplier relationships and significant cost‑saving opportunities.

You will develop category plans, manage supplier performance, and collaborate with IT leadership to drive technology roadmaps while delivering value in a distributed team.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required; IT procurement focus preferred.
• 6–8+ years in procurement and strategic sourcing with IT/tech services.
• Proven track record in complex IT sourcing and high‑value negotiations.
• Strong knowledge of software licensing, cloud services, and IT consulting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute IT category strategies for hardware, software, telecoms, and services.
• Lead end‑to‑end sourcing events: market analysis, RFx, supplier selection, contracts.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and ensure contractual performance.
• Drive cost savings, value initiatives, and supplier performance improvement.
• Collaborate with IT leadership to align roadmaps and needs; monitor spend and savings.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Remote collaboration

Analytics

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, IT Management, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

e-procurement platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding financial services organization, is seeking an experienced Remote Category Manager to lead sourcing and category strategy for IT and Technology Services. This is a fully remote position, offering the ultimate flexibility, while supporting a company with significant operations that can include **Upington, Northern Cape**. The Category Manager will be responsible for developing and executing strategic sourcing plans, leading complex negotiations, managing key supplier relationships within the IT and tech services domain, and driving significant cost savings and value creation. You will play a critical role in ensuring that the company procures high-quality IT solutions and services at competitive prices, aligning with business objectives and technological advancements. This leadership role requires strategic insight, exceptional negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the IT procurement landscape, all managed from a remote work environment. The successful candidate will be pivotal in optimizing spend and ensuring the reliability of critical technology partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for IT hardware, software, telecommunications, and professional IT services.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing events, including market analysis, RFx development, supplier selection, and contract negotiation.
• Manage key supplier relationships within the IT and technology services categories, fostering partnerships and ensuring performance meets contractual obligations.
• Drive cost savings and value initiatives through strategic sourcing, demand management, and supplier performance improvement programs.
• Collaborate closely with IT leadership and business stakeholders to understand technology roadmaps and evolving needs.
• Conduct regular category reviews and supplier performance assessments.
• Ensure compliance with all procurement policies, ethical standards, and relevant regulations (e.g., data privacy).
• Monitor market trends, technological advancements, and supplier innovations within the IT sector.
• Mitigate risks associated with IT sourcing and supplier performance.
• Manage procurement budgets for the assigned categories and provide regular reporting on spend, savings, and supplier performance.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, IT Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6-8 years of progressive experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, with a strong specialization in IT and technology services categories.
• Proven track record of leading complex IT sourcing initiatives and negotiating high-value technology contracts.
• In-depth knowledge of IT procurement best practices, software licensing models, cloud services, and IT consulting.
• Strong analytical skills, financial acumen, and proficiency in procurement analytics tools.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills, suitable for remote collaboration.
• Experience managing a remote team or working effectively in a distributed team structure is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with global IT markets and suppliers.
• Proficiency in relevant ERP systems and e-procurement platforms.
• Highly organized, self-directed, and adept at managing priorities in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Fully remote working arrangement with significant flexibility.
• Highly competitive executive compensation package, including base salary, bonus, and potential equity.
• Comprehensive global health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for significant career advancement and leadership development.
• Exposure to cutting-edge financial technology and digital transformation initiatives.
• Professional development budget for certifications and training.
• Allowance for home office setup and ongoing remote work expenses.
• Generous paid time off and holiday policy.