Senior Purchasing Specialist - Remote

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; Remote; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work setup support

Professional development opportunities

Bonuses and performance incentives

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Purchasing Specialist for a fully remote role. In this remote-first position, you will drive strategic sourcing, optimize procurement processes, and build strong supplier relationships from your home office.

You will lead cost-saving initiatives across categories, collaborate with stakeholders, and monitor KPIs to ensure value delivery. A strong background in negotiation, analytics, and ERP systems is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in SCM or related field.
• 5–7 years in purchasing or procurement.
• Proven success in strategic sourcing and cost reduction.
• Strong negotiation, analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, across levels.
• Experience with SAP, Oracle or Coupa ERP systems.
• Ability to work independently in remote settings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing initiatives for cost savings.
• Manage end-to-end procurement processes: requisitioning, tendering, negotiation, contracts.
• Conduct market research and supplier analysis to find opportunities and mitigate risk.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand needs and provide guidance.
• Monitor supplier performance against KPIs and contractual obligations.
• Lead cross-functional teams on complex procurement projects.
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures and ethics.
• Maintain procurement records and databases.
• Utilize procurement software to optimize processes and reporting.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Coupa

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading global procurement services provider, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Purchasing Specialist to join their dynamic team. This is a fully remote, career-defining opportunity for an individual passionate about strategic sourcing and supply chain optimization. You will play a crucial role in managing procurement processes, fostering strong supplier relationships, and driving cost savings across various spend categories. The ideal candidate will thrive in a remote-first environment, demonstrating excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills. You will be instrumental in shaping our client's procurement strategy and ensuring operational excellence from your home office. This position offers the chance to work with a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and employee development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing initiatives to achieve cost savings and improve supplier performance.
• Manage end-to-end procurement processes, including requisitioning, tendering, negotiation, and contract management.
• Conduct market research and supplier analysis to identify new sourcing opportunities and mitigate risks.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their purchasing needs and provide expert guidance.
• Monitor supplier performance against contractual obligations and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Lead cross-functional teams on complex procurement projects.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement records and databases.
• Utilize procurement software and tools to optimize processes and reporting.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in purchasing and supply chain management.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in a purchasing or procurement role.
• Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing, category management, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels.
• Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Coupa).
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a remote work setting.
• A proactive and results-oriented mindset with a strong commitment to achieving targets.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Understanding of contract law and risk management principles within procurement.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of ZAR.
• Comprehensive remote work setup support.
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications.
• Access to cutting-edge procurement technology and tools.
• A supportive and collaborative remote team environment.
• Contribution to impactful global procurement strategies.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate remote working.
• Annual performance-based bonuses.
• Retirement savings plan options.
• Paid time off and national holidays.