Senior Category Manager: Utilities, Operations & Projects

A leading organisation is seeking a Senior Category Manager: Utilities, Operations & Projects to lead strategic sourcing and category management across a global portfolio. This senior role requires a commercially astute procurement professional who can optimise Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), manage supply risk, build high-performing supplier relationships and deliver sustainable value across complex services categories.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, execute and maintain category and sourcing strategies that optimise TCO while effectively managing supply and commercial risk.
• Conduct detailed spend, market and supply analysis to identify cost-saving, efficiency and sourcing opportunities.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, including RFx and tender processes, supplier evaluations, negotiations and contracting.
• Develop and utilise TCO models to support informed procurement and commercial decisions.
• Negotiate favourable commercial terms, pricing, service levels and contractual arrangements with suppliers.
• Manage supplier performance, risk, compliance and relationships against agreed SLAs and sourcing strategies.
• Identify market trends, trading opportunities and innovative sourcing solutions across utilities, operations and project-related services.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with governance requirements, procurement policies and ethical standards.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and cross-functional teams to understand business requirements and deliver effective sourcing solutions.
• Track and report on savings, contract compliance, supplier performance, security of supply and other key procurement KPIs.
• Lead, coach and develop team members while supporting continuous improvement across the procurement function.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Commerce, Operations Management, Business Process Management, Analytics, Information Technology or a related field.
• 7+ years’ experience in strategic sourcing.
• 3–5 years’ management experience.
• Approximately 3 years’ Category Management experience would be advantageous.
• MCIPS, PMP or SCMP certification would be advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing, category strategy development, supplier management, contract management and procurement governance.
• Proven ability to conduct spend and supply market analysis and develop TCO models.
• Strong RFP/tender development, evaluation and supplier negotiation capabilities.
• Advanced business and commercial acumen with sound risk management skills.
• Advanced Excel skills and competence in relevant procurement and ERP systems, such as D365, AX and Data Warehouse environments.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, communication and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage projects and drive continuous improvement and change.

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