Senior Procurement Specialist - Retail

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Staff discounts

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Procurement Specialist to drive strategic sourcing and category management for a retail portfolio. The role focuses on securing quality merchandise, optimizing stock, and building supplier partnerships in a fast-paced market.

The candidate should bring extensive retail procurement experience, strong analytical and leadership skills, and proficient use of SAP and Excel to support informed purchasing decisions.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in procurement or category management, with a strong emphasis on the retail sector.
• Proven track record in strategic sourcing, negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• Deep understanding of retail supply chains, product lifecycles, and market dynamics.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive procurement strategies for assigned retail categories.
• Lead negotiations with national and international suppliers to secure optimal pricing, terms, and delivery schedules.
• Manage key supplier relationships, conducting regular performance reviews and fostering collaborative partnerships.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis, identifying emerging trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Optimize inventory levels and supply chain efficiency to support sales targets and minimize costs.
• Collaborate with merchandising, marketing, and operations teams to align procurement activities with business objectives and product launches.
• Analyze sales data and market insights to inform purchasing decisions and product assortment.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives and process improvements within the procurement function.
• Mentor and guide junior procurement staff.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Negotiations

Supplier relationship management

Leadership

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management / Business Administration

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent retail group with extensive operations in Randburg, Gauteng , is seeking a highly skilled Senior Procurement Specialist to drive strategic sourcing and category management for a diverse range of retail products. This role is pivotal in ensuring our client secures high-quality merchandise at competitive prices, optimizing inventory levels, and fostering strong supplier partnerships. You will lead complex negotiations, develop category strategies, analyze market trends, and contribute significantly to the company's profitability and market competitiveness. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in retail procurement, exceptional analytical abilities, and strong leadership qualities. This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to shape the future of procurement for a leading retail brand in the dynamic Gauteng market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive procurement strategies for assigned retail categories.
• Lead negotiations with national and international suppliers to secure optimal pricing, terms, and delivery schedules.
• Manage key supplier relationships, conducting regular performance reviews and fostering collaborative partnerships.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis, identifying emerging trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Optimize inventory levels and supply chain efficiency to support sales targets and minimize costs.
• Collaborate with merchandising, marketing, and operations teams to align procurement activities with business objectives and product launches.
• Analyze sales data and market insights to inform purchasing decisions and product assortment.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives and process improvements within the procurement function.
• Mentor and guide junior procurement staff.

Requirements

• Significant experience in procurement or category management, with a strong emphasis on the retail sector.
• Proven track record in strategic sourcing, negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• Deep understanding of retail supply chains, product lifecycles, and market dynamics.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and advanced MS Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• Experience working with diverse supplier bases within Gauteng and nationally.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to challenges.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive senior-level salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund, and staff discounts. This hybrid role provides a flexible working arrangement, blending strategic office-based work with remote operational efficiency. Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a leading retail organization are abundant in Randburg.