Senior Purchasing Manager - Remote First

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work environment

Flexible working hours

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Purchasing Manager to lead strategic procurement initiatives in a fully remote, remote-first setup across South Africa. You will shape purchasing strategies, mentor a procurement team, and build strong supplier relationships to deliver cost savings and efficiency.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in procurement, negotiation of high-value contracts, and a solid grasp of supply chain management within a global context.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, or strategic sourcing, with at least 3 years in a management or leadership role.
• Proven success in developing and executing effective procurement strategies that have resulted in significant cost savings and operational improvements.
• Proven experience in negotiating high-value contracts and managing complex supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of procurement best practices, supply chain management, and relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working in a remote or hybrid work environment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive purchasing strategies aligned with business objectives and market dynamics.
• Lead and mentor a team of procurement professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, conducting rigorous due diligence to ensure quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Negotiate complex contracts and agreements with suppliers, securing favorable terms and conditions.
• Monitor market trends and commodity prices to identify cost-saving opportunities and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Oversee the entire procurement process, from requisition to delivery, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations.
• Manage supplier performance, establishing KPIs and conducting regular reviews.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across various departments to understand their purchasing needs and provide expert guidance.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement records and reporting systems.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the purchasing function, leveraging technology and best practices.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Virtual collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (plus)

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading global procurement solutions provider, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Purchasing Manager to join their dynamic team. This is a fully remote, remote-first position, offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking organization from anywhere in South Africa. You will play a critical role in developing and executing procurement strategies that drive cost savings, enhance supplier relationships, and ensure the timely acquisition of goods and services essential to our client's operations. If you are a strategic thinker with a proven track record in procurement and thrive in a virtual environment, this role is an excellent fit for your career aspirations. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, exceptional negotiation abilities, and a deep understanding of international sourcing and supply chain management. This role is integral to maintaining operational efficiency and achieving strategic business objectives within the competitive procurement landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive purchasing strategies aligned with business objectives and market dynamics.
• Lead and mentor a team of procurement professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, conducting rigorous due diligence to ensure quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Negotiate complex contracts and agreements with suppliers, securing favorable terms and conditions.
• Monitor market trends and commodity prices to identify cost-saving opportunities and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Oversee the entire procurement process, from requisition to delivery, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations.
• Manage supplier performance, establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) and conducting regular reviews.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across various departments to understand their purchasing needs and provide expert guidance.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement records and reporting systems.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the purchasing function, leveraging technology and best practices.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, or strategic sourcing, with at least 3 years in a management or leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing effective procurement strategies that have resulted in significant cost savings and operational improvements.
• Proven experience in negotiating high-value contracts and managing complex supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of procurement best practices, supply chain management, and relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Experience working in a remote or hybrid work environment is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively in a virtual setting.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• In addition to a comprehensive remuneration structure, employees enjoy flexible working hours and the freedom of a fully remote work environment.
• We provide opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a supportive and innovative company culture.
• Access to cutting-edge procurement tools and technologies is standard.
• Health and wellness programs are available, promoting a balanced lifestyle.
• Furthermore, you will be part of a global team, contributing to impactful projects and making a tangible difference in the supply chain landscape.
• Enjoy the convenience and autonomy that comes with a remote-first position, allowing for a better work-life integration.
• We believe in empowering our employees and providing them with the resources they need to succeed.
• Participation in industry conferences and training sessions is encouraged and supported.