Remote Category Specialist - IT Hardware

Placements24; Polokwane; Híbrido; ZAR 900.000 - 1.500.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is looking for a Remote Category Specialist to lead IT hardware procurement globally, including servers, networking gear, and end-user devices. You will develop category strategies, vet and onboard suppliers, and negotiate favorable pricing and SLAs.

The role requires 6+ years in IT procurement, deep market knowledge, and strong negotiation skills. You will partner with IT, security, and finance to ensure compliant, cost-effective solutions in a fully remote environment.

Formación

• Minimum 6 years of IT procurement experience with hardware focus.
• Proven ability to negotiate IT hardware contracts and manage vendor relationships.
• Strong understanding of IT hardware landscape and market dynamics.
• Excellent analytical and strategic planning skills.
• Experience with ERP and e-sourcing tools for procurement processes.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fully remote environment.

Responsabilidades

• Develop and implement category strategies for IT hardware sourcing.
• Identify, vet, and onboard new IT hardware suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and SLAs with vendors.
• Monitor market trends, pricing, and new technologies.
• Manage supplier relationships with performance reviews and improvements.
• Collaborate with IT, cybersecurity, and finance teams to meet requirements.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulatory standards.
• Analyze spend data to identify savings and consolidation opportunities.
• Support lifecycle management of IT hardware assets.
• Contribute to best practices for remote IT procurement.

Conocimientos

IT procurement

Hardware sourcing

Contract negotiation

Vendor management

Analytical thinking

ERP systems

E-sourcing tools

Remote work

Cloud infra experience

Educación

Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field

Herramientas

ERP systems

Procurement software

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a leading enterprise software provider, is looking for a dedicated and experienced Remote Category Specialist to manage their IT Hardware procurement. This is a critical, fully remote role responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for all IT hardware, including servers, networking equipment, and end-user devices. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of the IT hardware market, strong negotiation skills, and a proven ability to manage complex supplier relationships globally. This position is ideal for a self-motivated procurement professional seeking a flexible, remote-first career opportunity. You will play a vital role in ensuring our client receives cost-effective, high-quality IT solutions to support their expanding operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for IT hardware sourcing, ensuring alignment with business needs and IT roadmaps.


• Identify, vet, and onboard new suppliers of IT hardware, evaluating their capabilities, financial stability, and compliance.


• Negotiate favorable pricing, terms, and service level agreements (SLAs) with key IT hardware vendors.


• Monitor IT hardware market trends, pricing, and new technologies to inform sourcing decisions.


• Manage ongoing supplier relationships, conducting regular performance reviews and driving continuous improvement.


• Collaborate with IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and finance teams to ensure procurement meets technical, security, and budgetary requirements.


• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.


• Analyze spend data to identify opportunities for cost savings and vendor consolidation.


• Support the lifecycle management of IT hardware assets through effective procurement practices.


• Contribute to the development of best practices in IT procurement within a remote environment.

Requirements

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


• Minimum of 6 years of experience in IT procurement, with a specialization in hardware sourcing.


• Demonstrated expertise in negotiating IT hardware contracts and managing key vendor relationships.


• Strong understanding of the IT hardware landscape, including major manufacturers and market dynamics.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.


• Proficiency with IT procurement software, ERP systems, and e-sourcing tools.


• Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.


• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple projects effectively in a fully remote setting.


• Experience managing procurement for cloud infrastructure or data centers is a plus.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, commensurate with experience. Our client provides a comprehensive benefits package including premium health insurance, retirement savings plans, and generous paid time off. As a fully remote position, it offers exceptional work-life balance and the flexibility to work from anywhere. Continuous professional development, access to industry-leading training, and opportunities for advancement within a global organization are key advantages.