Remote Senior Category Manager - IT Hardware

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Category Manager specializing in IT hardware for a fully remote role within South Africa. You will shape IT hardware procurement strategy, manage global vendor relationships, and drive significant cost savings while collaborating with cross-functional IT and finance teams.

The role emphasizes negotiation acumen and strategic sourcing across servers, storage, networking equipment, and end-user devices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree required as listed in the job requirements.
• Master's degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for IT hardware procurement.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field

Master's degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized technology solutions provider, is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Senior Category Manager specializing in IT Hardware to join their dynamic, remote-first procurement division. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping the strategy for IT hardware procurement, managing key supplier relationships, and driving significant cost savings and value across the organization's technology infrastructure. You will be responsible for understanding market trends, identifying innovative sourcing opportunities, and ensuring the acquisition of high-quality IT hardware solutions that meet the company's evolving needs. This role demands a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the IT hardware landscape and exceptional negotiation acumen.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for IT hardware procurement, ensuring alignment with global IT roadmaps and business objectives.
• Lead complex negotiations with global IT hardware vendors, securing favorable pricing, terms, and service level agreements.
• Conduct comprehensive market analysis of IT hardware trends, supplier capabilities, and emerging technologies.
• Manage the entire lifecycle of IT hardware contracts, including sourcing, selection, negotiation, implementation, and renewal.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal IT teams, finance, legal, and other key stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate risks within the IT hardware supply chain.
• Develop and implement best practices for IT hardware procurement processes to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Monitor supplier performance and conduct regular business reviews to ensure delivery and quality standards are met.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to achieve cost savings, optimize spend, and enhance value.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in IT procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing, with a significant focus on IT hardware.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale IT hardware contracts and supplier relationships, ideally with global vendors.
• In-depth knowledge of the IT hardware market, including servers, storage, networking equipment, and end-user devices.
• Proven expertise in strategic sourcing methodologies, contract negotiation, and cost modeling.
• Experience working in a remote or distributed team environment.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Proficiency in procurement and IT asset management tools.

Benefits

• This fully remote position comes with a highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Our client provides an industry-leading benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, a generous retirement savings plan, and ample paid time off.
• Professional development is highly encouraged, with access to ongoing training and certifications.
• As a remote-first organization, you will have the flexibility to work from home, fostering a better work-life balance.

Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and employee well-being.