Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Remote work options

Health insurance

Career development

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly analytical Strategic Sourcing Specialist to join the procurement team in Paarl, South Africa. You will develop category strategies, conduct market research, and lead RFx processes to unlock value.

You will negotiate contracts, manage supplier relationships, and work with internal stakeholders to meet business needs while delivering significant cost savings and risk mitigation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in strategic sourcing or procurement.
• Proven ability to deliver measurable cost savings.
• Degree in SCM, Business, or Economics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Conduct market analysis, supplier research, and benchmarking.
• Lead RFx processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ) and bid analysis.
• Negotiate contracts and SLAs with key suppliers.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with internal units to ensure sourcing solutions meet requirements.

Skills

Negotiation

Contract management

Supplier relationship management

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Market research

Financial analysis

Education

Relevant degree in SCM/Business/Economics

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly analytical and strategic Strategic Sourcing Specialist to join their procurement team, supporting operations that may involve Paarl and other locations. This role is focused on developing and implementing effective sourcing strategies for key categories of spend, driving significant cost savings, improving supplier performance, and mitigating supply chain risks. You will conduct market research, lead sourcing events, and build strong collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. This is a key role for an experienced sourcing professional looking to make a strategic impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies that align with business objectives, focusing on total cost of ownership.
• Conduct market analysis, supplier research, and benchmarking to identify sourcing opportunities.
• Lead sourcing events, including RFx processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ), and conduct detailed bid analysis.
• Negotiate complex contracts and service level agreements with key suppliers to achieve optimal terms.
• Manage and develop strategic supplier relationships, monitoring performance and driving continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with internal business units to understand their needs and ensure sourcing solutions meet requirements.

Requirements

• Proven experience (5+ years) in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement, preferably in a complex B2B environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful sourcing strategies that deliver measurable cost savings and value.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with proficiency in financial analysis and market intelligence.
• Superior communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• A relevant degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Economics, or a related field.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses tied to strategic savings targets.
• Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options, supporting work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development in strategic sourcing.
• A collaborative and innovative work culture that values strategic thinking.