Remote Purchasing Manager - E-commerce

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Home office stipend

Professional development

Career growth

Global team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a remote Purchasing Manager for a rapidly expanding international e-commerce business. Based in South Africa, you will lead global sourcing, supplier management, cost optimization and inventory control, ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement that meets quality standards in a remote-first environment.

You will mentor a remote team, analyse market trends, negotiate complex contracts, and build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• 7+ years in purchasing/procurement with 3+ years in management.
• Experience in e-commerce or high-volume retail.
• Proven remote team leadership across global supply chains.
• Strong negotiation track record and cost reductions.

Responsibilities

• Lead global sourcing strategies for a diverse product portfolio.
• Identify, evaluate and onboard suppliers ensuring quality and cost targets.
• Negotiate contracts and SLAs with key suppliers worldwide.
• Mentor and manage a remote purchasing team for high performance.
• Oversee inventory with logistics to ensure timely delivery.
• Analyze market trends to identify savings and mitigate risks.
• Develop relationships with stakeholders and suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with trade regulations and policies.
• Drive process improvements using data-driven insights.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Team leadership

Procurement analytics

ERP systems

International trade

Cost optimization

Education

Master's degree in Supply Chain or related

Tools

ERP software

Data analytics platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding international e-commerce business, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Remote Purchasing Manager to spearhead their procurement operations. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the purchasing department, from strategic sourcing and supplier management to cost optimization and inventory control. You will play a critical role in ensuring the timely and cost-effective acquisition of products that meet our customers' demands and our quality standards. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the procurement strategy of a forward-thinking digital company and to work in a dynamic, collaborative, and remote-first environment. The role requires a proactive individual with a strong commercial acumen and a passion for driving efficiency in a global supply chain context. Based out of Cape Town , this role is designed for an experienced professional seeking a challenging remote career.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of global sourcing strategies for a diverse product portfolio.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers, ensuring alignment with quality, cost, and ethical standards.
• Negotiate complex contracts, pricing agreements, and service level agreements with key suppliers worldwide.
• Manage and mentor a remote purchasing team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Oversee inventory levels and work closely with logistics teams to ensure efficient stock management and timely delivery.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and supplier performance to identify opportunities for cost savings and risk mitigation.
• Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant trade regulations and company policies.
• Drive process improvements within the purchasing function using data-driven insights.

Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent in Supply Chain Management, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or strategic sourcing, with at least 3 years in a management capacity.
• Proven experience in e-commerce or high-volume retail environments.
• Demonstrated success in leading remote teams and managing global supply chains.
• Exceptional negotiation skills and a track record of achieving significant cost reductions.
• Proficiency with advanced procurement analytics tools and ERP systems.
• Strong understanding of international trade, logistics, and supply chain best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, autonomous, and fully remote work setting.

Benefits

• As a fully remote employee, you will enjoy unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance.
• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including a performance-based incentive program.
• They provide a comprehensive health insurance plan.
• A generous retirement savings contribution.
• A home office setup stipend to ensure you have a productive work environment.
• Professional development is highly valued, with access to online courses, workshops, and industry conferences.
• You’ll be part of a diverse and inclusive global team, with ample opportunities for career advancement.
• This is a unique chance to contribute to a growing leader in the e-commerce space, working from the comfort of your home, with your primary connection to Western Cape .