Senior Category Manager - Industrial Supplies

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary & bonus

Private medical insurance

International exposure

Equity options

Company car / travel allowance

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging is seeking a Senior Category Manager to lead procurement of industrial supplies and services. You will shape category strategies, drive cost savings, and strengthen supplier performance in a multinational setting.

The role requires a Master's in a related field and 8–10 years of progressive procurement experience, with a proven track record in strategic sourcing, negotiations, and stakeholder management. Excellent leadership and SAP experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field and 8–10 years of progressive procurement experience.
• Proven track record in category management, strategic sourcing and negotiations.
• In-depth knowledge of industrial supply market and cost drivers.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and leadership skills.
• ERP proficiency and experience with procurement analytics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for industrial supplies and services aligned with business goals.
• Lead sourcing initiatives including market analysis, supplier selection, negotiation, and supplier management.
• Drive cost reduction and total cost of ownership improvements across categories.
• Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and technology advances to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure procurement solutions meet requirements.
• Oversee contract lifecycle, ensure compliance and performance management.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

SAP

Procurement analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading diversified industrial conglomerate, is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Category Manager to oversee the procurement of industrial supplies and services. This high-impact role is based in Vereeniging, Gauteng , a key industrial hub in South Africa. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies that drive significant cost savings, improve supplier performance, and ensure supply chain resilience. This position requires a deep understanding of the industrial supply market, strong negotiation capabilities, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships. We are looking for a visionary leader who can transform procurement practices and deliver measurable value to the organization. The role demands strategic thinking, robust analytical skills, and a proactive approach to market challenges. The working environment is dynamic and results-oriented, offering substantial career growth opportunities within a respected industry leader operating from Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for industrial supplies and services, aligning with business objectives and long-term goals.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, including market analysis, supplier selection, negotiation of contracts, and management of supplier relationships.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and total cost of ownership improvements across the assigned categories.
• Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and technological advancements to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (operations, engineering, maintenance) to understand their needs and ensure procurement solutions meet requirements.
• Establish and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) for suppliers and the category team, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Oversee the contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance, performance management, and renewal processes are effectively managed.
• Lead and mentor a team of buyers and procurement specialists within the category.
• Identify and implement best practices in procurement, leveraging technology and data analytics.
• Ensure ethical sourcing practices and compliance with all relevant regulations and company policies.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in procurement or supply chain management, with a significant focus on industrial categories.
• Proven track record in category management, strategic sourcing, and complex negotiations.
• In-depth knowledge of the industrial supply market, including key suppliers and cost drivers.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership and team management capabilities.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and procurement analytics tools.
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a complex, multinational organization.
• Experience in risk management and supply chain resilience strategies.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive-level salary and bonus package.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits, including private medical insurance.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and international exposure.
• Performance-related incentives and long-term equity options.
• Generous leave allowance and other corporate benefits.
• Company car or travel allowance.
• Work in a strategic role based in the industrial heartland of Vereeniging .