Senior Purchasing Specialist (Remote)

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Home office stipend

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Purchasing Specialist for a fully remote role. You will lead strategic sourcing, negotiate favorable terms, and manage end-to-end procurement to optimize costs and supply continuity.

The position requires at least five years in purchasing and strong supplier relationship skills. As a remote-first team, you will collaborate with stakeholders across functions, monitor demand, and drive process improvements while maintaining compliance and data integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (Supply Chain, Business Admin, Finance).
• Minimum 5 years in purchasing, procurement or sourcing roles, in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong negotiation, supplier relationship, and cost-analysis skills.
• Experience with procurement software/ERP (SAP, Oracle, Coupa) preferred.
• Excellent communication and ability to work with stakeholders remotely.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies for competitive pricing and favorable terms.
• Conduct market research to identify new suppliers and evaluate vendor performance.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and delivery with suppliers to optimize value and minimize risk.
• Oversee end-to-end purchasing process from requisition to invoice reconciliation.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to meet procurement needs and timeline.
• Monitor inventory and forecast demand to prevent shortages or overstock.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier databases.
• Ensure compliance with policies, ethics, and regulations.
• Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency and savings.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Vendor management

Data analysis

Remote work

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management/Business Admin/Finance

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Coupa

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly expanding e-commerce leader, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Purchasing Specialist to join their fully remote procurement team. This pivotal role is central to optimizing our client's supply chain efficiency and ensuring the timely acquisition of high-quality goods and services. You will be instrumental in driving strategic sourcing initiatives, fostering strong supplier relationships, and contributing to the overall cost-effectiveness of operations. As a remote-first organization, we empower our employees with the flexibility and resources needed to excel from anywhere, fostering a collaborative and productive virtual work environment. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking company, driving growth and innovation in the competitive procurement landscape. The ideal candidate will possess a keen eye for detail, exceptional negotiation skills, and a proven track record of success in complex purchasing environments. You will be an integral part of a team dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms for all purchased goods and services.
• Conduct comprehensive market research and analysis to identify potential new suppliers and evaluate existing vendor performance.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and delivery schedules with suppliers to ensure optimal value and minimize supply chain risks.
• Manage the end-to-end purchasing process, from requisition and purchase order creation to goods receipt and invoice reconciliation.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across various departments to understand their procurement needs and ensure timely fulfillment.
• Monitor inventory levels and forecast demand to proactively address potential shortages or overstock situations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date purchasing records and supplier databases.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical standards, and relevant regulatory requirements in all procurement activities.
• Identify and implement process improvements within the purchasing function to enhance efficiency and cost savings.
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with key suppliers, fostering partnerships that support business objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, or strategic sourcing roles, preferably within a fast-paced industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and cost analysis.
• Proficiency in using procurement software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Coupa).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to interact effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a remote work setting.
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Understanding of global supply chain dynamics and best practices.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and certifications.
• Home office stipend to ensure a comfortable and productive remote work setup.
• Employee assistance program (EAP) for personal and professional support.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing international company.
• Access to cutting-edge procurement technology and tools.
• A supportive and collaborative remote team culture.