Remote Strategic Buyer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Home office allowance

Remote work flexibility

Annual bonuses

Medical aid and retirement fund

Training and certifications

Employee discount on company products

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Remote Strategic Buyer to identify, evaluate, and secure suppliers for a diverse range of products across South Africa. You will develop and execute category strategies while negotiating terms to support rapid growth and optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance.

The role requires a proactive, analytical professional with excellent negotiation and remote-work capabilities, managing relationships with global suppliers from Durban or other remote hubs within SA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and strong negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to develop category strategies and negotiate favorable terms.
• Strong analytical mindset and proficiency with procurement tools and ERP systems.
• Experience in strategic sourcing, supplier onboarding, and cost optimization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for assigned product categories.
• Identify, vet, and onboard new suppliers ensuring quality and ethical standards.
• Conduct market analysis including price trend monitoring and benchmarking.
• Negotiate pricing, terms and conditions to achieve cost savings.
• Manage supplier performance through regular reviews and metrics.
• Collaborate with product development and sales to forecast demand.
• Ensure timely delivery and address supply chain disruptions proactively.
• Maintain records of procurement activities and contracts.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in sourcing.
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes to reduce costs.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical thinking

Remote work discipline

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management

Bachelor’s degree in Economics

Tools

Procurement software

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding e-commerce platform, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Remote Strategic Buyer to join their growing procurement department. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will play a crucial role in identifying, evaluating, and securing suppliers for a diverse range of products, ensuring optimal cost, quality, and delivery performance. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies, conducting market research, and negotiating favorable terms with suppliers to support our client's ambitious growth targets. This role requires a proactive individual with a strong analytical mindset and excellent negotiation skills, capable of managing relationships with global suppliers. We are looking for a dynamic professional who is passionate about strategic sourcing and committed to driving value. This role is integral to maintaining a competitive edge in the fast-paced e-commerce landscape and will provide a unique opportunity to contribute to a significant business impact from your chosen location, even if it's Durban, KwaZulu-Natal or another preferred remote hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for assigned product categories.
• Identify, vet, and onboard new suppliers, ensuring alignment with quality and ethical standards.
• Conduct thorough market analysis, including competitor benchmarking and price trend monitoring.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers to achieve cost savings and favorable payment terms.
• Manage supplier performance through regular reviews and performance metrics.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including product development and sales teams, to understand needs and forecast demand.
• Ensure timely delivery of goods and services, proactively addressing any supply chain disruptions.
• Maintain accurate records of all procurement activities, contracts, and supplier information.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in strategic sourcing and supply chain management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement process to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Economics, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or a similar purchasing role.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiating complex contracts and managing supplier relationships effectively.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data and financial information.
• Proficiency in using procurement software and ERP systems.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, particularly in a remote setting.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines in a remote environment.
• Familiarity with e-commerce supply chains is a plus.
• Residing within South Africa is required for this role.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for annual bonuses.
• Remote work flexibility with a home office allowance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave and paid public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training and certifications.
• Employee discount on company products.
• Supportive and collaborative remote team culture.