Senior Procurement Specialist - Logistics & Distribution

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Hybrid working model

Retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Paid time off

Competitive bonus

Job summary

Placements24 in East London, Eastern Cape, is seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist to lead sourcing of logistics and distribution services. You will optimize supply chain costs, build strategic partnerships with 3PLs, freight forwarders, and tech suppliers, and negotiate complex contracts.

The role combines on-site collaboration in East London with remote work, requires strong analytical skills, and aims to deliver cost savings and service improvements in a dynamic supply chain.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in SCM, logistics, or related field.
• 6–8 years in procurement with logistics focus.
• Experience negotiating with 3PLs and freight forwarders.
• Knowledge of global logistics and cost benchmarking.
• Proficient in procurement software and TMS.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic sourcing plans for logistics, warehousing, and distribution.
• Evaluate and select 3PLs, freight forwarders, and carriers.
• Lead negotiations for service agreements and rates.
• Manage relationships with logistics partners.
• Analyze spend and performance to identify savings.
• Oversee contract management and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with operations to align procurement with business goals.
• Monitor industry trends and regulatory changes.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Analytics

Stakeholder management

Hybrid work adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM or related

Master's degree is a plus

Tools

TMS (Transportation Management Systems)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing e-commerce and logistics company, is seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist to manage the sourcing and procurement of logistics and distribution services in East London, Eastern Cape. This critical role involves optimizing supply chain costs, developing strategic partnerships with 3PL providers, freight forwarders, and logistics technology suppliers. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in negotiating complex contracts within the logistics sector and a deep understanding of market dynamics. This role operates on a Hybrid model, combining essential on-site collaboration in East London, Eastern Cape with the flexibility of remote work. We are looking for a strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and a proven ability to drive significant cost savings and service improvements within a dynamic supply chain environment. This is a key position for influencing the company's operational efficiency and competitive edge.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for logistics, warehousing, and distribution services.


• Identify, evaluate, and select qualified logistics providers, including 3PLs, freight forwarders, and carriers.


• Lead complex negotiations for service agreements, freight rates, and technology solutions.


• Manage and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key logistics partners.


• Analyze logistics spend and performance data to identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency improvements.


• Oversee contract management, ensuring compliance, performance, and risk mitigation for all logistics contracts.


• Collaborate with internal operations and supply chain teams to align procurement strategies with business objectives.


• Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements impacting logistics and distribution.


• Prepare and present comprehensive procurement reports, performance metrics, and strategic recommendations to senior management.


• Ensure ethical sourcing practices and compliance with all relevant regulations for logistics operations in East London, Eastern Cape.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.


• Minimum of 6-8 years of experience in procurement, with a strong specialization in logistics, transportation, and distribution services.


• Demonstrated success in negotiating complex contracts with 3PL providers and freight forwarders.


• In-depth understanding of global logistics, supply chain optimization, and transportation management.


• Strong analytical skills and experience with spend analysis and performance benchmarking.


• Proficiency in procurement software, TMS (Transportation Management Systems), and Microsoft Office Suite.


• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.


• Ability to work effectively in a Hybrid environment, balancing office and remote responsibilities.


• Strong problem-solving capabilities and a proactive approach to managing supply chain challenges.


• Familiarity with the logistics landscape in East London, Eastern Cape is advantageous.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus.


• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.


• Retirement savings plan with company match.


• Flexible Hybrid working model.


• Opportunities for professional development and industry exposure.


• Dynamic and fast-paced work environment in East London, Eastern Cape.


• Generous paid time off.