Remote Procurement Specialist

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Professional development

Flexible work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Remote Procurement Specialist to support South African operations, focusing on Pietermaritzburg. Manage end-to-end procurement across multiple categories, negotiate favorable terms, and optimize supplier performance in a remote-first setting.

The role requires 5+ years in procurement, strong negotiation and vendor-management skills, and proficiency with e-sourcing tools and Excel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (SCM, business, finance).
• Minimum 5 years in procurement or strategic sourcing, with remote experience.
• Proven cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
• Expertise in contract negotiation, vendor management, and RFx.
• Strong analytics, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; proficient in procurement tools and advanced Excel.

Responsibilities

• Market research to identify suppliers globally and locally.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and SLAs for cost savings and value.
• End-to-end procurement across categories: technology, logistics, marketing, operations.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulations.
• Analyze spending patterns for consolidation opportunities.
• Prepare reports on procurement activities, savings, and market intel.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across time zones.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Vendor management

Remote work independence

Time management

Stakeholder collaboration

Decision making

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field

Tools

Excel

RFx software

Procurement software

e-sourcing tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading international e-commerce platform, is actively seeking a highly skilled and independent Remote Procurement Specialist to manage procurement activities supporting their South African operations, with a focus on needs originating from the Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA region. This fully remote position requires a proactive individual with extensive experience in sourcing diverse categories of goods and services, particularly in an online retail context. You will be responsible for optimizing supplier performance, negotiating favorable terms, and ensuring the seamless procurement of operational and inventory-related items. This role is perfect for a results-driven professional who thrives in a remote-first environment and excels at managing complex projects independently.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive market research to identify and evaluate potential suppliers globally and locally.


• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and service level agreements to achieve optimal cost savings and value.


• Manage the end-to-end procurement cycle for various categories, including technology, logistics, marketing, and operational supplies.


• Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers.


• Monitor supplier performance against agreed-upon metrics and implement corrective actions when necessary.


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


• Analyze spending patterns and identify opportunities for consolidation and efficiency gains.


• Prepare detailed reports on procurement activities, cost savings, and market intelligence.


• Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks.


• Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders across different departments and time zones.

Requirements

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


• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in procurement or strategic sourcing, with a significant portion in a remote setting.


• Proven track record of delivering substantial cost savings and improving supplier performance.


• Expertise in contract negotiation, vendor management, and RFx processes.


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


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly.


• Proficiency in procurement software, e-sourcing tools, and advanced Excel skills.


• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines in a remote environment.


• Experience in e-commerce or digital platform industries is highly desirable.


• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to adapt to a fast-paced, evolving business landscape.

Benefits

• This fully remote contract position offers a competitive remuneration package, reflecting the required expertise and the nature of remote work.


• Our client provides opportunities for professional development and exposure to cutting-edge e-commerce procurement practices.


• You will benefit from the flexibility and autonomy of working from home, with access to a collaborative online team environment.


• This role allows you to contribute significantly to a global organization while maintaining a healthy work-life balance, irrespective of your physical location relative to Pietermaritzburg .