Strategic Sourcing Manager

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Medical coverage

Retirement plan

Development opportunities

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Strategic Sourcing Manager in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, to design and execute complex sourcing strategies for a petrochemical-led business. The role focuses on driving cost savings, supplier performance, and risk management in a global and local supplier base.

The ideal candidate has an MBA or related Master's degree, 10+ years in strategic sourcing, and strong negotiation and contract management experience.

Qualifications

• MBA or related master's degree required.
• CIPS or CSCP certifications desirable.
• 10+ years in strategic sourcing, procurement or supply chain.
• Experience in petrochemical or industrial sectors preferred.
• Strong negotiation and contract management experience.

Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end strategic sourcing strategies for key spend categories.
• Lead supplier evaluations and market analyses to identify risks and opportunities.
• Negotiate terms, pricing, and SLAs with global and domestic suppliers.
• Develop supplier relationships with performance metrics and continuous improvement.
• Manage end-to-end sourcing lifecycle from needs to contract implementation.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, finance, and legal to meet requirements.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks and develop contingency plans.
• Track procurement savings and manage the procurement budget.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Financial modeling

Negotiation leadership

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Travel flexibility

Education

MBA or related master's

Supply Chain Management degree

Engineering degree

Tools

ERP SAP

Procurement software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical industry, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Strategic Sourcing Manager to be based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This critical role involves developing and executing sophisticated sourcing strategies for a diverse range of goods and services essential to the company's large-scale operations. The successful candidate will be instrumental in driving significant cost savings, ensuring supply chain resilience, and fostering strong, collaborative relationships with key global and local suppliers. This position requires a deep understanding of market intelligence, risk management, and complex negotiation tactics. If you are a strategic thinker with a proven ability to optimize procurement processes and deliver exceptional value, this is an unparalleled career opportunity. We are committed to operational excellence and sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement end-to-end strategic sourcing strategies for key categories of spend, aligned with business objectives.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis, category assessments, and supplier evaluations to identify opportunities and risks.
• Lead complex negotiations with global and domestic suppliers to secure favorable terms, pricing, and service level agreements.
• Develop and manage supplier relationships, establishing performance metrics and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee the entire sourcing lifecycle, from needs identification and market engagement to contract finalization and implementation.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including operations, engineering, finance, and legal, to ensure procurement strategies meet business requirements.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, developing contingency plans to ensure business continuity.
• Manage the procurement budget and track savings achieved through strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and technological advancements in strategic sourcing and supply chain management.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CIPS, CSCP) are highly desirable.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, with a significant focus on complex industrial or petrochemical sectors.
• Demonstrated expertise in leading complex international and domestic negotiations and contract management.
• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven experience in developing and executing category strategies and managing multi-million rand budgets.
• In-depth knowledge of market intelligence gathering and risk assessment methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and advanced sourcing/procurement software.
• Ability to travel occasionally as required for supplier visits and industry conferences.
• A strong commitment to ethical business practices and sustainability.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including substantial annual bonuses, long-term incentives, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, and a robust retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for significant professional development and international exposure are provided.
• This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, balancing the demands of our significant operational presence in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , with the flexibility to work remotely.
• Join a world-class organization committed to innovation, safety, and employee well-being.