Remote Senior Buyer - Global Sourcing

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Company laptop

Internet allowance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Global brand

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Senior Buyer in South Africa to lead global sourcing for direct materials, packaging, and processing aids. The role emphasizes cost optimization, supplier diversification, and robust supplier relationships across borders.

You will collaborate with R&D, Operations, and Quality Assurance to meet product development and production needs. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in global procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of international trade

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in SCM, international business, economics or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in global procurement, buying or strategic sourcing of direct materials.
• Proven track record negotiating with international suppliers and managing global supply chains.

Responsibilities

• Lead global sourcing initiatives for direct materials, packaging, and processing aids.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new international suppliers to ensure competitive supply base.
• Negotiate favorable pricing, payment terms, and SLAs with suppliers.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance, and risk mitigation.
• Analyze market intelligence and commodity trends to inform sourcing strategies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Remote communication

Data analysis

Supplier management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned leader in the wine and spirits industry, is looking for a Remote Senior Buyer with extensive experience in Global Sourcing. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa. The role will be pivotal in managing and optimizing the procurement of raw materials, packaging, and specialized equipment necessary for premium product manufacturing. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a proven ability to negotiate with international suppliers, and a deep understanding of global supply chain complexities. You will be responsible for identifying cost-saving opportunities, ensuring supply continuity, and maintaining high-quality standards. We seek a self-starter with excellent communication skills, capable of collaborating effectively with global teams and stakeholders from a remote setup. This role offers the chance to shape procurement strategies for a prestigious brand and drive significant improvements in supply chain performance. Emphasis will be placed on ethical sourcing and sustainability practices within the global supply chain network. This position is crucial for maintaining the competitive edge of operations linked to regions like Stellenbosch, Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead global sourcing initiatives for key direct materials, including agricultural inputs, packaging, and processing aids.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new international suppliers to ensure a competitive and robust supply base.
• Conduct complex negotiations to secure favorable pricing, payment terms, and service level agreements.
• Manage ongoing supplier relationships, performance, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Analyze market intelligence and commodity trends to inform sourcing strategies and support cost management.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, and Quality Assurance to meet product development and production needs.
• Develop and implement best practices in global procurement and supply chain management.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, ethical standards, and international trade regulations.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and value creation throughout the supply chain.
• Utilize procurement technology and data analytics to optimize sourcing processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, International Business, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in global procurement, buying, or strategic sourcing, with a focus on direct materials.
• Proven track record in negotiating with international suppliers and managing global supply chains.
• Strong understanding of international trade, logistics, and customs procedures.
• Excellent analytical skills, with proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, especially in a remote context.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and procurement platforms.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a remote work environment.
• Knowledge of the wine or spirits industry is a significant advantage.
• Must have a dedicated home office with reliable high-speed internet.

Benefits

• Generous annual salary of ZAR, reflecting experience and expertise.
• Fully remote work arrangement offering ultimate flexibility.
• Annual performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive private medical insurance.
• Company-issued laptop and communication tools.
• Home office and internet allowance.
• Retirement savings plan contribution.
• Professional development budget for training and conferences.
• Opportunity to work with a globally recognized brand.