Remote Strategic Sourcing Manager - Packaging

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive compensation

Bonus potential

Professional development

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct is seeking a seasoned Strategic Sourcing Manager focused on packaging materials to lead remote, SA-based procurement efforts. You will develop long-term sourcing strategies for packaging categories, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost savings while ensuring sustainability and compliance.

You will collaborate with R&D, marketing and operations, analyze market trends, and mentor cross-functional teams in a virtual setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in SCM, Business Admin, Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years in strategic sourcing and procurement; 4+ years in packaging.
• Proven track record developing and executing sourcing strategies in packaging.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and remote collaboration abilities.
• Experience with e-sourcing tools, ERP systems, and advanced Excel modeling.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams in a virtual environment.
• Commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term strategic sourcing plans for all packaging categories (e.g., corrugated, flexible, rigid plastics, labels).
• Lead end-to-end sourcing processes, including market analysis, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract award.
• Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives and total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements for packaging spend.
• Manage key supplier relationships, fostering partnerships that drive innovation, quality, and sustainability.
• Conduct thorough supplier due diligence, risk assessments, and performance management.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, marketing, and operations teams to understand future packaging needs and requirements.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, ethical sourcing standards, and sustainability goals.
• Monitor global packaging market trends, raw material costs, and supply chain disruptions.
• Develop and maintain a robust supplier diversity program for packaging materials.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on category performance, savings achieved, and strategic initiatives.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Excel modeling

E-sourcing tools

ERP systems

Cross-functional leadership

Sustainability

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM / Business / Engineering / related field

Master's degree (plus)

Tools

None

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is seeking a seasoned and strategic Strategic Sourcing Manager with expertise in packaging materials. This is a fully remote opportunity, allowing candidates to work from anywhere in South Africa, serving operations that were previously based in East London, Eastern Cape. The Manager will be responsible for developing and executing innovative sourcing strategies for all packaging categories, optimizing costs, ensuring supply chain resilience, and driving supplier innovation. This high-impact role requires a deep understanding of packaging materials, market dynamics, and advanced negotiation skills. If you are a results-driven procurement leader looking for a flexible, remote role where you can make a significant contribution, this opportunity is ideal. Join our client's dynamic procurement team and shape the future of packaging sourcing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term strategic sourcing plans for all packaging categories (e.g., corrugated, flexible, rigid plastics, labels).
• Lead end-to-end sourcing processes, including market analysis, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract award.
• Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives and total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements for packaging spend.
• Manage key supplier relationships, fostering partnerships that drive innovation, quality, and sustainability.
• Conduct thorough supplier due diligence, risk assessments, and performance management.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, marketing, and operations teams to understand future packaging needs and requirements.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, ethical sourcing standards, and sustainability goals.
• Monitor global packaging market trends, raw material costs, and supply chain disruptions.
• Develop and maintain a robust supplier diversity program for packaging materials.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on category performance, savings achieved, and strategic initiatives.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, with at least 4 years specializing in packaging.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful sourcing strategies in the packaging sector.
• Deep understanding of various packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and market dynamics.
• Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities, crucial for a remote role.
• Experience with complex contract negotiations and supplier relationship management (SRM).
• Proficiency in e-sourcing tools, ERP systems, and advanced Excel modeling.
• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams in a virtual environment.
• Strong commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing principles.

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement, offering ultimate flexibility and work-life integration.
• Highly competitive salary and significant bonus potential.
• Opportunity to lead strategic sourcing for a critical category in a leading company.
• Extensive professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Access to cutting-edge procurement technology and platforms.
• A collaborative and forward-thinking virtual team culture.
• Influence on packaging innovation and sustainability initiatives.