Senior Purchasing Specialist

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Professional development and training

Retirement savings plan with company 6

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Purchasing Specialist for a fully remote role serving a national client base in South Africa. You will lead strategic sourcing, negotiate contracts, and optimize supplier relationships to deliver value across the organization.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in procurement, a relevant degree, and proven cost-saving achievements. Strong ERP experience (SAP/Oracle) and remote collaboration skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in purchasing, procurement, or strategic sourcing.
• Proven negotiation and contract management with cost-saving achievements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Experience with procurement software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Remote collaboration and stakeholder management skills for a distributed team.
• Certifications such as CIPS or CPSM are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies.
• Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and contracts with suppliers.
• Build and maintain long-term supplier relationships.
• Conduct market research on industry trends and disruptions.
• Oversee procurement processes from requisition to payment.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to meet procurement needs.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive corrective actions.
• Utilize procurement software to streamline processes.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with regulations.

Skills

Negotiation

Relationship management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Remote collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in SCM/Business/Finance

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly expanding organization within the procurement sector, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Purchasing Specialist to join their fully remote team. This pivotal role is crucial for optimizing our client's supply chain operations and ensuring the timely acquisition of goods and services. As a remote‑first company, we foster a collaborative and flexible working environment, leveraging cutting‑edge technology to connect our team members regardless of their physical location. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on a national scale, contributing directly to the strategic goals of a forward‑thinking enterprise. The successful candidate will be an integral part of a dedicated procurement department, driving efficiency and cost‑effectiveness through expert negotiation and supplier relationship management. We are committed to professional growth and provide ample opportunities for skill development in a supportive virtual setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies to identify and secure the best value for goods and services required by the organization.
• Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and contracts with suppliers, ensuring alignment with budgetary constraints and quality standards.
• Manage and cultivate strong, long‑term relationships with a diverse range of suppliers and vendors.
• Conduct comprehensive market research and analysis to stay informed about industry trends, pricing, and potential supply chain disruptions.
• Oversee the entire procurement process, from requisition and order placement to delivery and payment, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders across various departments to understand their procurement needs and provide expert guidance.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions when necessary to ensure consistent quality and timely delivery.
• Utilize advanced procurement software and tools to streamline processes and enhance data analysis.
• Contribute to cost‑saving initiatives and identify opportunities for process improvements within the procurement function.
• Ensure all procurement activities are conducted with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with relevant regulations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, or strategic sourcing.
• Proven track record of successful negotiation and contract management with significant cost‑saving achievements.
• Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Proficiency in using procurement software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Strong understanding of supply chain principles and best practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills, essential for remote collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a remote environment.
• Professional certifications such as CIPS or CPSM are advantageous.
• A dedicated home office setup with reliable high‑speed internet connectivity.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off and public holiday allocation.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certification.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Access to the latest procurement technologies and tools.
• A supportive and collaborative remote work culture that values work‑life balance.
• Performance‑based bonuses and incentives.