Category Specialist – Strategic Sourcing (Indirect Procurement)

About the role

The Category Specialist will co‑develop and execute strategic sourcing strategies for medium to low‑value indirect procurement categories across the organisation’s Africa operations. Working closely with Category Managers, the role ensures cost efficiency, quality consistency and alignment with organisational goals.

Key responsibilities

• Co‑develop and implement sourcing strategies for lower‑risk indirect categories such as marketing, office equipment and moving equipment.
• Negotiate, execute and monitor global or regional framework agreements in collaboration with global category management.
• Monitor market trends, supplier performance and risks including supply‑chain disruptions and price volatility.
• Partner with country‑specific procurement teams to tailor strategies to local market conditions.
• Standardise specifications and ensure compliance with sustainability and ethical sourcing standards.
• Track cost savings, supplier reliability and contract life‑cycle milestones, reporting to the CPM.
• Identify, evaluate and manage relationships with regional and global suppliers, leading negotiations for favourable terms.
• Conduct market research to identify trends, potential suppliers and assess risks.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent Diploma in Supply Chain, Business or Engineering.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in strategic procurement, preferably in manufacturing‑related segments.
• Strong analytical acumen with ability to interpret data and support decision‑making.

Required skills

• Proficiency with e‑sourcing tools.
• Experience using ERP systems.