Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks an experienced Strategic Sourcing Specialist to join its procurement team. You will lead sourcing for technology, equipment and indirect services, developing strategies that drive cost efficiency and supplier reliability in a hybrid office/remote setup.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in strategic sourcing, superb negotiation and analytical skills, and hands-on experience with ERP and SRM.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in SCM/Business Admin/Engineering or related field.
• An MBA is a plus.
• Minimum 6 years in strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management.
• Proven cost-savings through strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Strong negotiation, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with contract management and SRM.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for key spend categories.
• Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers and dynamics.
• Lead complex negotiations to achieve optimal pricing and terms.
• Manage supplier relationships and drive continuous improvement.
• Develop category management strategies to maximize value and mitigate risks.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align procurement with business goals.
• Analyze spending patterns and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulatory requirements.
• Support transition to new suppliers and manage contract implementations.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical

Project management

Communication

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM or related field

MBA (plus)

Tools

ERP systems

E-sourcing tools

SRM

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural technology firm, is seeking an experienced Strategic Sourcing Specialist to join their dynamic procurement team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is critical for developing and implementing innovative sourcing strategies that support the company's growth and competitive edge. You will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and managing key suppliers to ensure the cost-effective and reliable procurement of essential goods and services, with a particular focus on technological components and specialized agricultural inputs. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of global sourcing practices, market analysis, and contract negotiation. This hybrid role offers a blend of office-based collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing for a balanced work-life integration. Our client is committed to sustainability and innovation, seeking a professional who shares these values. Work will primarily focus on supporting the operations in and around Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for key spend categories, including technology, equipment, and indirect services.
• Conduct comprehensive market research to identify potential new suppliers and assess market dynamics.
• Lead complex negotiations with suppliers to achieve optimal pricing, terms, and service levels.
• Manage supplier relationships, conduct performance evaluations, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and implement category management strategies to maximize value and mitigate risks.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure procurement aligns with business objectives.
• Analyze spending patterns and identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency gains.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Support the transition to new suppliers and manage contract implementations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• An MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management.
• Proven track record of successful cost savings through strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with contract management and supplier relationship management (SRM) practices.
• Excellent understanding of global supply chains and market intelligence.
• Proficiency in e-sourcing tools and ERP systems.
• Strong project management and communication skills.
• Experience in the technology or agricultural sector is highly desirable.
• Must be able to work effectively in a hybrid model based in or near Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications.
• A dynamic and innovative work culture.
• Hybrid work flexibility.