Remote Senior Sourcing Manager - Direct Materials

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work in SA

Performance incentives

Health & retirement benefits

Travel opportunities (supplier visits)

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly accomplished Remote Senior Sourcing Manager to lead direct-material procurement for a manufacturing operation. You will develop global sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost efficiencies while ensuring supply chain resilience.

The role requires extensive experience in manufacturing sourcing, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to lead virtually across cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field (SCM/Engineering).
• 10+ years of progressive strategic sourcing/procurement experience, preferably in manufacturing.
• Proven track record creating and executing global sourcing strategies.
• Strong contract negotiation, supplier-relations, and risk mitigation skills.
• Understanding of BOM and manufacturing processes; strong analytical and financial acumen.
• Excellent virtual communication, leadership, and collaboration abilities.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP/Oracle) and procurement tools.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global direct-material sourcing strategies.
• Identify, assess, and onboard new suppliers with due diligence and risk reviews.
• Lead negotiations for long-term supply agreements and favorable terms.
• Monitor market trends, commodity prices, and geopolitical factors.
• Build strategic relationships with key direct-material suppliers.
• Collaborate with R&D, Engineering, and Operations to align sourcing with product needs.
• Drive continuous improvement in cost, quality, delivery, and supplier performance.
• Oversee forecasts and budgets for direct-material procurement.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier management

Cost optimization

Education

Master's degree in Supply Chain

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Procurement software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished and strategic Remote Senior Sourcing Manager to lead the procurement of direct materials critical to their manufacturing operations. This position is entirely remote, enabling you to work from any approved location within South Africa. You will be responsible for developing and implementing global sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and driving significant cost efficiencies and supply chain resilience. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in sourcing raw materials, components, or finished goods within a manufacturing context, coupled with strong negotiation skills and a deep understanding of global supply chains. This role demands a proactive leader who can navigate complex market dynamics and collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams virtually.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for direct materials to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and supply reliability.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers, conducting thorough due diligence and risk assessments.
• Lead and manage complex negotiations for long‑term supply agreements, ensuring favourable terms and conditions.
• Monitor global market trends, commodity prices, and geopolitical factors impacting direct material sourcing.
• Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key direct material suppliers.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, Engineering, and Operations teams to align sourcing with product development and manufacturing needs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply base to enhance quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Manage supplier performance through regular reviews and implement corrective action plans as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, ethical standards, and company policies.
• Develop and maintain accurate forecasts and budgets for direct material procurement.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, with a significant focus on direct materials in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful global sourcing strategies.
• Expertise in contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and risk mitigation.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and bill of materials (BOM).
• Excellent analytical, financial acumen, and problem‑solving skills.
• Exceptional virtual communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience utilizing ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and procurement tools.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, remote work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex global supply chains.

Benefits

• Fully remote position with the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa.
• Highly attractive salary package with significant performance‑based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for international travel for supplier visits and conferences (when applicable and safe).
• Extensive professional development and leadership training programs.
• A dynamic and forward‑thinking virtual work culture.
• Home office setup allowance.
• Generous paid time off.
• Exposure to cutting‑edge supply chain practices and technologies.
• Direct impact on the company's core product offerings and profitability.