Procurement Operations Lead

About the role

We are seeking an accomplished procurement leader to build and transform a newly established procurement function for the South African operation of a leading global healthcare organisation. Reporting to the CFO, you will shape the procurement strategy, embed governance and drive operational excellence across the business.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement a centralised procurement operating model.
• Lead the transition from a decentralised to a best‑practice procurement function.
• Develop and enforce procurement governance, policies, controls and compliance frameworks.
• Drive strategic sourcing, supplier optimisation and sustainable cost‑saving initiatives.
• Oversee Source‑to‑Pay (S2P) process improvements and procurement system implementation, including digital transformation projects.
• Partner with senior business leaders to influence procurement strategy and organisational change.
• Represent the South African business in global procurement forums and collaborate with international stakeholders.
• Build procurement capability and establish a high‑performing team.

Required profile

• Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Procurement or a related discipline.
• 8‑10+ years of procurement leadership experience in a complex manufacturing, healthcare, FMCG or industrial environment.
• Proven track record of building, centralising or transforming procurement functions.
• Strong understanding of procurement governance, S2P processes and compliance.
• Demonstrated success delivering strategic sourcing initiatives and measurable cost savings.
• Experience leading procurement systems implementation and continuous improvement programmes.
• Excellent commercial, analytical and stakeholder‑management capabilities.
• Comfortable influencing executive leadership within a global matrix organisation.
• Professional procurement qualification (e.g., CIPS) is advantageous.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape the future procurement capability of a respected multinational organisation.
• Platform to build processes, implement systems, influence strategy and leave a lasting legacy.
• Commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.