Senior Category Manager - Utilities

We are recruiting on behalf of a client for an experienced Senior Category Manager Utilities to lead strategic sourcing and category management across utilities, operations and project-related services within a global environment. This senior role requires a commercially astute procurement professional who can optimise Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), strengthen supplier performance, manage supply risk and build sourcing strategies that deliver sustainable value. The ideal candidate will bring strong strategic sourcing, category management, supplier negotiation, stakeholder management and commercial analysis skills, combined with the ability to challenge conventional approaches and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies that optimise TCO while maintaining acceptable levels of supply risk.
• Conduct spend, supply market and demand analysis to identify savings, efficiencies and sourcing opportunities.
• Lead sourcing events, including RFx and tender processes, ensuring transparent, fair and compliant procurement practices.
• Negotiate competitive commercial terms, pricing, service levels and contractual arrangements with suppliers.
• Manage supplier sourcing, onboarding, performance, risk and ongoing relationship management.
• Develop and utilise TCO models to evaluate the full commercial impact of procurement decisions.
• Monitor market trends, pricing and demand indices to support informed sourcing strategies.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to understand business requirements and develop innovative procurement solutions.
• Ensure sourcing activities comply with procurement policies, governance requirements and ethical standards.
• Track and report on savings, contract compliance, supplier performance, OTIF and security of supply.
• Lead projects and team members while supporting capability development, coaching and continuous improvement.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Commerce, Operations Management, Business Process Management, Analytics, Information Technology or an equivalent qualification.
• 7+ years’ strategic sourcing experience.
• 3–5 years’ experience in a management position.
• At least 3 years’ Category Management experience would be advantageous.
• MCIPS, PMP or SCMP certification would be advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing, category strategy development, TCO principles, tender/RFP evaluation and contract management.
• Proven ability to conduct spend and supply market analysis and develop commercially sound sourcing strategies.
• Excellent supplier negotiation, stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with sound risk management capabilities.
• Advanced Excel skills and competence in relevant procurement and ERP systems such as D365, AX and Data Warehouse platforms.
• Strong leadership, project management, influencing, coaching and continuous improvement capabilities.

EE Disclaimer:

All positions will be filled in accordance with the company's Employment Equity plan. We encourage people with disabilities to apply.

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REF: TC01