Remote Purchasing Manager

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Remote Purchasing Manager to lead strategic sourcing, procurement, and supplier management across multiple product categories for a fast-growing e-commerce platform with a Southern Africa footprint. This role requires strong leadership, cross-time-zone communication, and a track record of driving cost savings and supply chain efficiency.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s in a relevant field and has at least 9 years of purchasing experience, including 5

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field (MBA/SCM).
• Minimum 9 years in purchasing/procurement, 5+ in leadership.
• Experience in strategic sourcing, category mgmt, contract negotiation.
• Proven ability to lead remote teams and manage global suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies across product categories.
• Lead and mentor a remote team of buyers.
• Oversee major supplier contracts and negotiations.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends and cost savings.
• Build strategic relationships with key suppliers globally.
• Drive procurement process improvements and tech adoption.
• Coordinate with Merchandising, Operations, and Finance for alignment.
• Monitor supplier performance and enforce quality standards.
• Manage procurement budget and report KPIs.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and regulatory changes.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Contract negotiation

Global supply chain

Remote team leadership

Analytical thinking

ERP systems

Procurement software

Communication skills

Decision making

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration / Supply Chain Management

Tools

Procurement software

E-commerce platforms

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing e-commerce platform with a significant presence in Southern Africa, is actively seeking an experienced and visionary Remote Purchasing Manager. This crucial role will lead the strategic sourcing, procurement, and supplier management efforts for a diverse range of product categories. As a fully remote position, it requires a highly self-disciplined and results-driven individual with exceptional leadership and communication skills to manage a distributed team and collaborate effectively across different time zones. The Purchasing Manager will be responsible for developing and executing innovative procurement strategies that enhance profitability, ensure supply chain efficiency, and maintain high-quality standards for all sourced products. We are looking for a strategic thinker who can leverage market insights to drive competitive advantages.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive purchasing strategies for multiple product categories to meet business objectives and profitability targets.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a remote team of purchasing professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Oversee the negotiation and administration of major supplier contracts, ensuring favorable terms and conditions.
• Conduct thorough market analysis to identify trends, assess risks, and discover cost-saving opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key suppliers and vendors globally.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in procurement processes, technology adoption, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with Merchandising, Operations, and Finance teams to ensure alignment and effective execution.
• Monitor supplier performance, implement corrective actions, and ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Manage the procurement budget effectively and report on key performance indicators.
• Stay updated on industry best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes impacting e-commerce procurement.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in purchasing and procurement, with at least 5 years in a management or leadership role, preferably within the e-commerce or retail sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic sourcing, category management, contract negotiation, and global supply chain operations.
• Proven ability to lead and develop remote teams effectively.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in advanced procurement software, e-commerce platforms, and ERP systems.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and fully remote work environment.
• Strong negotiation skills and a track record of achieving significant cost savings.
• In-depth understanding of international sourcing and logistics.

Benefits

This is a fully remote opportunity offering significant flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere. Our client offers a highly competitive salary, substantial performance-based bonuses, comprehensive medical and dental insurance, and robust retirement savings plans. Employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, exposure to cutting-edge e-commerce strategies, and the chance to shape the future of a rapidly growing company. Join a forward-thinking organization that values innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being, with opportunities for significant career advancement.