Remote Purchasing Officer - Global Sourcing

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Professional development

Career progression

Home office stipend

Software licenses

Performance reviews

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Purchasing Officer to manage international procurement from a home office. You will source, negotiate, and purchase products globally, ensuring competitive pricing, quality standards, and timely delivery.

This role requires strong communication with overseas partners and strict attention to import/export compliance. The ideal candidate has a minimum of 4 years in international procurement, excellent English, and experience with ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and negotiation abilities with overseas partners.
• Proven analytical mindset for supplier evaluation and cost analysis.
• Ability to manage remote procurement processes end-to-end.

Responsibilities

• Identify and vet international suppliers based on quality, price, reliability, and ethics.
• Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and contract conditions with overseas vendors.
• Manage international purchasing, including import/export docs and customs compliance.
• Place POs and track fulfillment from order to delivery.
• Coordinate with logistics to optimize international shipping costs.
• Maintain records of transactions, inventory, and supplier performance.
• Analyze market trends and currency fluctuations affecting procurement costs.
• Collaborate with sales, logistics, and marketing to align purchasing with business needs.
• Resolve discrepancies in international orders promptly.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve sourcing strategies and supplier relations.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in International Business or Supply Chain

Tools

ERP software

Job description

About the Role Our client is a leading global distributor and seeks a dedicated Remote Purchasing Officer to manage international procurement operations. This fully remote position is based in George, Western Cape, but requires you to work from your home office. You will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing a diverse range of products from international suppliers, ensuring competitive pricing, quality standards, and timely delivery. This role demands a proactive approach, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to navigate complex international trade regulations and logistics. You will play a crucial role in expanding our client's global supplier network and optimizing their supply chain to support international market growth. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of global sourcing dynamics, excellent communication skills for liaising with overseas partners, and a keen eye for detail to manage intricate order fulfillment processes. This is a remote-first opportunity, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while contributing to a globally focused enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and vet international suppliers based on quality, price, reliability, and ethical standards.
• Negotiate favourable terms, pricing, and contract conditions with overseas vendors.
• Manage all aspects of the international purchasing process, including import/export documentation and customs compliance.
• Place purchase orders and monitor order fulfillment from placement to final delivery.
• Liaise closely with logistics providers to ensure efficient and cost-effective international shipping.
• Maintain accurate records of all international transactions, inventory levels, and supplier performance metrics.
• Conduct market analysis on global commodity trends and currency fluctuations impacting procurement costs.
• Collaborate with internal teams (sales, marketing, logistics) to align purchasing activities with business needs.
• Resolve any discrepancies or issues related to international orders and shipments promptly.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve international sourcing strategies and supplier relationships.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in International Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in international procurement, global sourcing, or import/export management.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiating with international suppliers and managing cross-border transactions.
• Proficiency in using procurement software and ERP systems with a strong understanding of global trade compliance.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with fluency in English; proficiency in other languages is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Familiarity with international shipping terms (Incoterms) and customs procedures.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse international stakeholders.
• Tech-savvy with reliable high-speed internet access and a suitable home office setup.

Benefits

• This role comes with a competitive annual salary and the significant benefit of being a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility and work-life integration.
• Our client provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a retirement fund, and paid time off.
• Employees are encouraged to participate in professional development programs tailored for remote workers.
• Opportunities for career advancement within the global operations team exist.
• While not office-based, our client fosters a strong virtual team culture through regular online interactions and collaboration tools.
• Access to necessary software licenses and potentially a home office stipend are provided to ensure productivity.
• Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions are conducted to support growth.