Strategic Buyer

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Home office stipend

Health, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development opportunities

Retirement fund contributions

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly analytical Strategic Buyer to join our procurement division in a fully remote capacity. You will identify and onboard global suppliers, lead complex negotiations, and manage relationships to drive cost savings and supply chain resilience across South Africa.

The role requires strong analytical skills, data-driven decision making, and experience with ERP systems. Remote collaboration with engineering, operations, and finance is essential to success in this

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (SCM/Engineering/Business).
• Minimum 5 years in strategic sourcing or procurement similar roles.
• Proven track record in strategic sourcing and negotiations.
• Experience with ERP systems and data analytics.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic sourcing plans for key commodities and services.
• Identify, evaluate and onboard global suppliers.
• Lead high-value contract negotiations for favorable terms.
• Manage relationships with strategic suppliers and drive performance.
• Conduct market analysis, cost modeling, and savings opportunities.
• Mitigate supply risks through supplier diversification and contingency planning.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, and Finance to align procurement with product needs.
• Monitor supplier performance with KPIs and business reviews.
• Ensure compliance with policies, ethics, and regulations.
• Present procurement activity and cost-saving results to senior leadership.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier management

Cost reduction

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM/Engineering/Business

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the renewable energy sector, is seeking a highly analytical and forward-thinking Strategic Buyer to join their growing procurement division. This role is crucial for identifying, developing, and managing relationships with key suppliers to ensure the acquisition of critical components and materials for their advanced manufacturing processes. Operating within a fully remote capacity, you will collaborate with engineering, operations, and finance teams across the country to drive cost savings, enhance quality, and ensure supply chain resilience. We are looking for a candidate with a strong understanding of global sourcing, negotiation tactics, and risk management within the technology or manufacturing industries. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving, thriving in a dynamic, independent work environment. This is an exceptional opportunity to be part of a company committed to sustainability and technological advancement, contributing significantly to their mission from Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for key commodities and services, aligning with company objectives and technological roadmaps.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers globally, assessing their capabilities, financial stability, and quality standards.
• Lead complex negotiations for high-value contracts, aiming for optimal pricing, terms, and service level agreements.
• Manage and nurture relationships with existing strategic suppliers, fostering collaboration and driving performance improvements.
• Conduct thorough market analysis, including cost modeling and benchmarking, to identify savings opportunities and anticipate market shifts.
• Mitigate supply chain risks through proactive planning, diversification of suppliers, and contingency strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Engineering, R&D, Operations) to ensure procurement aligns with product development and manufacturing needs.
• Monitor supplier performance using defined KPIs and conduct regular business reviews.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, ethical sourcing guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on procurement activities, market intelligence, and cost-saving initiatives to senior leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or high-level procurement, preferably in a technology-driven industry.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing successful sourcing strategies.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of supply chain principles, risk management, and global sourcing practices.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, suitable for remote collaboration.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage projects effectively in a fully remote setting.
• Experience with lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonus.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Remote work flexibility with a home office stipend.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including certifications and conferences.
• Contribution to a retirement fund.
• Life insurance and disability benefits.
• Access to innovative technologies and a mission-driven work environment.