Strategic Sourcing Manager

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 2,490,000 - 3,817,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High compensation

Fully remote

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Executive coaching

Leadership development

International conferences

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Strategic Sourcing Manager for a fully remote role. You will spearhead sourcing strategies, manage global supplier relationships, and drive significant cost savings while ensuring supply chain resilience in a remote-first environment.

The ideal candidate has 8–10 years in strategic sourcing or supply chain leadership, MBA or related degree, and strong negotiation and analytical skills to lead cross-functional teams across the globe.

Qualifications

• MBA or equivalent in business, supply chain, or related field.
• 8–10 years in strategic sourcing or supply chain leadership roles.
• Proven cost savings and achievements in complex programs.
• Expertise in contracts, negotiation, and risk management.
• Strong relationships with senior stakeholders and global suppliers.
• Experience with advanced procurement tech and analytics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans aligned with objectives.
• Lead cross-functional sourcing projects from strategy to contract execution.
• Perform market analyses, supplier assessments, and TCO evaluations.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and SLAs with global suppliers.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships to foster innovation and quality.
• Drive continuous improvement in cost, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Monitor economic/geopolitical trends impacting supply chains.
• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and sustainability standards.
• Mentor junior procurement team members.
• Present strategies and business cases to leadership.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Negotiation

Stakeholder mgmt

Analytical skills

Sourcing strategy

Global supplier mgmt

English fluency

Education

MBA or related field

Tools

e-sourcing platforms

Procurement analytics tools

Contracts management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in sustainable agriculture technology, is looking for a seasoned and visionary Strategic Sourcing Manager to spearhead their sourcing initiatives. This is a critical, fully remote role focused on developing and executing best-in-class sourcing strategies that drive competitive advantage and ensure supply chain resilience. You will be responsible for identifying, qualifying, and managing a diverse portfolio of suppliers across various commodity groups, with a strong emphasis on ethical and sustainable sourcing practices. The position demands exceptional leadership, advanced negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of global supply chain dynamics. As a remote-first organization, you will leverage advanced digital collaboration tools to connect with internal stakeholders and external partners across the globe. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a proven ability to deliver significant cost savings and improve supplier performance in complex international markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategic sourcing plans aligned with business objectives and market intelligence.
• Lead cross-functional teams in sourcing projects, from category strategy development to supplier selection and contract execution.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis, supplier assessments, and total cost of ownership (TCO) evaluations.
• Negotiate complex contracts, pricing agreements, and service level agreements with key global suppliers.
• Manage and develop strategic supplier relationships to foster innovation, ensure quality, and mitigate risks.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve sustainability metrics.
• Monitor global economic conditions, geopolitical events, and industry trends impacting supply chains.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, ethical, and sustainability standards.
• Develop and mentor junior members of the procurement team.
• Present sourcing strategies, performance reports, and business cases to senior leadership.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or supply chain leadership roles.
• Demonstrated success in managing large, complex sourcing initiatives and delivering significant cost savings.
• Expertise in contract law, negotiation strategies, and risk management.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders and global suppliers.
• Experience with advanced procurement technologies, analytics, and e-sourcing platforms.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and presentation skills, essential for a remote environment.
• Deep understanding of sustainability principles and their integration into supply chain strategies.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.

Benefits

• Industry-leading compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary, significant bonus potential, and long-term incentive plans.
• Fully remote position with unparalleled flexibility and autonomy.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, along with generous retirement savings contributions.
• Access to executive coaching, leadership development programs, and opportunities to attend international conferences.
• Career advancement and leadership opportunities within a globally recognized organization.
• Remote-first culture ensuring all employees have the support and resources needed to thrive.