Strategic Buyer - Remote Role

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Career advancement

Remote-friendly environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Strategic Buyer to join a remote procurement team driving efficiency and cost-effectiveness across our supply chain from South Africa.

The role focuses on supplier development, negotiations, and category strategies, collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and finance to ensure production alignment. A strong track record in strategic purchasing and ERP systems is essential for success.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in strategic purchasing, category management, or related procurement role.
• Proven success negotiating complex agreements and achieving significant cost savings.
• Strong understanding of global supply chains and sourcing best practices.
• Proficiency with procurement software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop relationships with new suppliers with due diligence and performance evaluations.
• Lead negotiations for key commodity purchases to secure best pricing, quality and delivery terms.
• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing and finance to ensure supply chain alignment with production schedules.
• Monitor market trends and supplier capabilities to identify risks and opportunities.
• Manage supplier contracts, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in procurement for efficiency and cost reduction.
• Prepare detailed reports on procurement activities, savings and supplier performance for senior management.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Remote work discipline

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management (or related)

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in industrial manufacturing, is seeking an accomplished Strategic Buyer to join their fully remote procurement team. This role is crucial for driving efficiency and cost-effectiveness within our supply chain operations. You will be instrumental in sourcing high-quality materials and services, fostering strong supplier relationships, and ensuring uninterrupted production. As a remote-first organization, we empower our team members to work from anywhere within South Africa , fostering a culture of trust, flexibility, and performance. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on our client's global operations from a flexible, remote work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and develop relationships with new suppliers, conducting thorough due diligence and performance evaluations.
• Lead negotiations for key commodity purchases, aiming to secure the best possible pricing, quality, and delivery terms.
• Develop and execute category strategies that align with the company's overall business objectives.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, and finance teams to ensure supply chain alignment with product development and production schedules.
• Monitor market trends and supplier capabilities to proactively identify risks and opportunities.
• Manage supplier contracts, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function, focusing on efficiency and cost reduction.
• Prepare detailed reports on procurement activities, savings, and supplier performance for senior management.

Requirements

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in strategic purchasing, category management, or a related procurement role.
• Demonstrated success in negotiating complex agreements and achieving significant cost savings in an industrial context.
• Strong understanding of global supply chains, commodity markets, and sourcing best practices.
• Proficiency with procurement software, ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Outstanding negotiation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Self-motivated and disciplined, with a proven ability to manage workload effectively in a remote setting.
• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a relevant field.

Benefits

• An attractive annual salary package.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for career advancement and specialized training.
• A flexible and supportive remote work environment designed for productivity and well-being.
• Exposure to innovative procurement practices and a global network of suppliers.
• The chance to contribute to a market-leading company from your chosen location in George and across the nation.