Remote Strategic Buyer

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible working hours

Remote work opportunities

Professional development programs

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an accomplished Remote Strategic Buyer to lead critical sourcing initiatives for key commodities and services. This fully remote role offers the flexibility to work from any location and to collaborate with a global team.

You will develop and execute strategic sourcing plans, drive cost savings, and ensure supply continuity, leveraging strong negotiation skills and TCO modeling to strengthen profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management.
• Proven ability to negotiate complex supplier contracts.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret financial data and market trends.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Proven ability to work remotely and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies to achieve cost reduction and risk mitigation.
• Conduct market analysis, supplier research, and spend diagnostics.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers for complex contracts and favorable terms.
• Manage supplier performance through reviews and development plans.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, Finance to align requirements with sourcing strategy.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers globally in line with company standards.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and ethical guidelines.
• Monitor industry trends and potential supply chain disruptions.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Analyze procurement data to identify continuous improvement opportunities.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Communication

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

e-procurement tools

TCO modeling

Remote work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field

Tools

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

e-procurement platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an accomplished Remote Strategic Buyer to lead critical sourcing initiatives. This is a fully remote role, offering the flexibility to work from any location. You will be responsible for developing and executing strategic sourcing plans for key commodities and services, driving cost savings, and ensuring supply chain continuity. This position requires a deep understanding of market dynamics, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to build and maintain robust supplier relationships. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping our procurement strategy and contributing to the company's overall profitability and competitive advantage. You will work with a global team, making this an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional seeking a remote-first career.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies for assigned categories to achieve cost reduction, quality improvement, and risk mitigation goals.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis, supplier research, and spend diagnostics.
• Lead negotiation efforts with suppliers for complex contracts, ensuring favorable terms and pricing.
• Manage supplier performance through regular reviews and development plans.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., R&D, Operations, Finance) to understand business requirements and translate them into sourcing strategies.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers globally, assessing their capabilities and alignment with company standards.
• Ensure compliance with all company procurement policies and ethical guidelines.
• Monitor industry trends, new technologies, and potential supply chain disruptions.
• Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Analyze procurement data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and cost savings.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex negotiations and supplier contracts.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and market trends.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively in a remote environment.
• Proficiency in e-procurement tools and MS Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Understanding of total cost of ownership (TCO) modeling.
• Experience in the (specific industry, if applicable) sector is a plus.
• Must have a reliable internet connection and a suitable home office setup.

Benefits

• This position offers a competitive remuneration package including a substantial annual salary and potential performance bonuses.
• Our client provides comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working hours are standard.
• Opportunities for professional growth through training programs, conferences, and certifications are available.
• As a fully remote role, you will experience maximum flexibility and work-life balance.
• Our client fosters an inclusive and collaborative culture, ensuring remote employees feel connected and supported.