Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Annual performance bonus

Professional development

On-site parking

Employee discount

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a leading industrial manufacturing firm in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeking a Strategic Sourcing Specialist. You will identify and onboard suppliers, develop sourcing strategies, and drive cost savings while mitigating risk across the supply chain.

You will work with internal stakeholders, lead supplier negotiations, and ensure contracts comply with company policies. A proactive, analytical mindset and experience with procurement software are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in SCM, Business, Economics or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement or category management.
• Experience in supplier negotiation, contract development and performance management.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and develop actionable insights.
• Proficiency with Excel and procurement software.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers meeting quality, reliability, and cost standards.
• Conduct market analysis on supply chain trends, pricing, and availability of key commodities.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for various categories of goods and services.
• Lead negotiations to secure favorable pricing, terms, and conditions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to meet requirements.
• Manage supplier performance with regular reviews and corrective actions.
• Monitor contract compliance and ethical purchasing.
• Identify cost-reduction and process-improvement opportunities.
• Maintain supplier documentation and procurement records.
• Support procurement team in achieving department goals.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Procurement software

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM/Business

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Procurement software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading industrial manufacturing firm based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking a dedicated and analytical Strategic Sourcing Specialist to join their procurement department. This role is integral to identifying and developing new supply sources, optimizing procurement processes, and ensuring the company secures high-quality materials and services at competitive prices. You will play a key part in developing and executing sourcing strategies that align with the company's operational needs and long-term objectives. This position requires a proactive individual with a strong understanding of market dynamics and negotiation tactics. Working within a dedicated procurement team, you will contribute to cost savings and risk mitigation within the supply chain. This is a fantastic opportunity for a sourcing professional to grow their career within a reputable organization and make a tangible impact on its bottom line. The company values a hands-on approach and expects its team members to be deeply involved in all stages of the sourcing cycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers, ensuring they meet quality, reliability, and cost standards.
• Conduct thorough market analysis and research to understand supply chain trends, pricing, and availability of key commodities.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for various categories of goods and services.
• Lead negotiation efforts with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and conditions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their specific requirements and ensure procurement solutions meet their needs.
• Manage supplier performance through regular reviews and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Monitor contract compliance and ensure all purchasing activities adhere to company policies and ethical standards.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement within the sourcing function.
• Maintain accurate supplier documentation and procurement records.
• Support the wider procurement team in achieving departmental goals and objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management.
• Demonstrated experience in supplier negotiation, contract development, and performance management.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and develop actionable insights.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and experience with procurement software.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with suppliers and internal teams.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of local and international supply markets.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund contributions.
• Annual performance bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training.
• Exposure to a diverse range of procurement activities and projects.
• Secure on-site parking.
• Employee discount on company products.
• Friendly and collaborative team environment.
• Contribution to a stable and growing industry.
• Clear career progression pathways.