446 Purchasing jobs in South Africa

START DATE

A.S.A.P / Immediate

REQUIREMENTS :

• Grade 12 (Matric)
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Procurement, preferably within an FMCG environment
• CIPS qualification (advantageous)
• Financial background — an accounting qualification (CIMA or CA) is an added advantage
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar position, with exposure to operations, manufacturing, and a costing environment
• European and / or Group Procurement experience
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word
• Experience with SAGE software (advantageous)
• Fluent verbal and written English communication skills
• Valid driver’s license

DUTIES :

Procurement and Supply Chain Management :

• Manage contracts, KPIs, and SLAs to ensure continuous supply of goods and services, including bottling production, quality control, and cost savings.
• Meet regularly with local and European suppliers to discuss service levels, pricing, and performance; escalate significant price fluctuations to the COO.
• Negotiate competitive prices, rebate structures, and settlement discounts for dry goods across European and South African markets.
• Negotiate rebates on all exports and volume baselines (not limited to dry goods).
• Source, select, and build strong relationships with suppliers, including quarterly evaluations and reconciliations.
• Formulate and manage CAPEX and OPEX budget strategies for bottling suppliers, services, and related projects.
• Manage tenders and quotes related to OPEX budgets, annual bottling forecasts, labelling, and planning.
• Conduct quarterly supplier monitoring and ensure annual performance reviews and continuous performance tracking.
• Liaise with overseas bottlers to ensure up-to-date production costs are applied and production is appropriately allocated.
• Lead weekly and monthly meetings to determine overseas bottling strategies and pricing in coordination with the Head of Group Commercial Planning & Forecasting.
• Manage and control variances in stock and dry goods costs related to overseas bottling, in line with Group Commercial requirements.
• Oversee group purchasing processes to ensure timely availability of bottling raw materials.
• Supervise procurement functions in Europe and the UK to ensure smooth and cost-effective raw material flow.
• Identify and resolve supply-related issues promptly to prevent recurrence.
• Involving key personnel from NPD and Sales in procurement decision-making processes.
• Improve procurement governance and stakeholder engagement at international / European levels.
• Drive reductions in overstock and deadstock; reduce inventory holding costs.
• Ensure adherence to Procure-to-Pay (P2P) processes.
• Standardize costs and ensure purchase alignment with standard works order costs.
• Conduct supplier market research and forecast ordering based on data.
• Reduce industry-standard over / under supply tolerance of 10%.

Financial and Administrative Oversight :

• Advise on administrative processes to optimize overseas stock levels.
• Lead procurement strategy for priority categories, including supplier negotiations and compliance with credit and contract policies.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives and adoption of procurement best practices.
• Maintain personal development to stay current with global procurement trends.
• Ensure minimal and logical procurement levels for dry goods and materials.
• Oversee recoveries and invoice signoffs for overseas bottling operations.
• Provide procurement-related reports and insights to the Group Financial Director.
• Ensure stock reports (e.g., ClickView) are accurate, robust, and user-friendly.
• Aligning global contracts with commercial and financial strategies.
• Ensure effective use of SAGE and Projected Components by the team.

People Management :

• Facilitate clear communication across teams and provide support for issue resolution and conflict handling.
• Monitor team performance and identify skills gaps and training needs.

Reporting and Analysis :

• Monitor and report on rework, deviations, CARs (Corrective Action Reports), and customer complaints.
• Flag dry goods delivery issues at least two weeks before scheduled production.
• Maintain a global Stock Loss Analysis Report.
• Identify and implement cost-saving projects across the group.
• Drive behavioral change across the business to support procurement goals.
• Report on cost-reduction strategies and ensure proper implementation.
• Lead initiatives on service delivery improvements, supplier base consolidation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide monthly aged stock reports to Sales Representatives.

Quality Management :

• Ensure staff adherence to Quality Management System (QMS) standards and protocols.
• Maintain QMS documentation, including quality certificates and supplier files.
• Participate in quality seminars and enforce GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards.
• Maintain site security in responsible areas.

Health, Safety, and Housekeeping :

• Attend HACCP and Health & Safety (H&S) meetings as required.
• Collaborate with Planning and Procurement Manager to promote safe working practices in line with company and statutory policies.

HOURS :

• Monday to Friday : 08:00 – 17:00

Our leading FMCG Manufacturing client is seeking a Sourcing Manager to head up their department. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, ensuring cost-effective, high-quality and reliable supply of goods and services. This role balances strategic thinking, negotiation, and market insight to reduce costs, mitigate risks, and drive sustainable business performance. This will be an on-site Middle Management role based in the upper high way area.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and deliver measurable cost savings.

• Develop category strategies, conduct benchmarking, and apply market intelligence.

• Negotiate and manage commercial and legal agreements.

• Oversee the full contract lifecycle: tendering, onboarding/offboarding, compliance, and performance monitoring.

• Drive continuous improvement and innovative sourcing practices.

• Motivate, lead, and develop procurement team members.

• Ensure alignment with business, regulatory, and governance requirements.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong business acumen and strategic agility

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills

• Analytical and detail-oriented with strong financial understanding

• Leadership and people management capability

• Proficient in MS Office and ERP systems

• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Supply Chain/Procurement (CIPS qualification preferred)

• 7-10 years' progressive procurement/supply chain experience

• Strong background in contract management, strategic sourcing, and category management

• Knowledge of procurement regulations and preferential procurement frameworks

• Financial management experience (budgets, P&L, forecasting)

• Exposure to FMCG or related industries advantageous

• Familiarity with standards such as FSSC 22000, ISO 45000, and ISO 9001 preferred

GEP is a diverse, creative team of people passionate about procurement. We invest ourselves in our client’s success, creating strong collaborative relationships that deliver extraordinary value year after year. Our clients include market global leaders with far-flung international operations, Fortune 500 and Global 2000 enterprises, leading government and public institutions.

We deliver practical, effective services and software that enable procurement leaders to maximize their impact on business operations, strategy and financial performance. That’s just some of the things that we do in our quest to build a beautiful company, enjoy the journey and make a difference. GEP is a place where individuality is prized, and talent respected. We’re focused on what is real and effective. GEP is where good ideas and great people are recognized, results matter, and ability and hard work drive achievements. We’re a learning organization, actively looking for people to help shape, grow and continually improve us.

At GEP, we arelooking to continue our growth trajectory by expanding our talented managed services team.

As a Sourcing Lead, you will partner with our client and internal teams and manage the planning and execution of strategic sourcing initiatives using a multi-step sourcing process.

• Develop category specific requirements and scopes of work consistent with business requirements and client sourcing strategy
• Conduct spend analytics and utilize analytical expertise to deliver a comprehensive total cost of ownership assisting the client business in delivering measurable cost savings
• Initiate and structure efficient RFx’s, participate in supplier negotiations and support negotiation strategies based on supplier proposals and spend analytics
• Utilize your well-developed sourcing skills to manage supplier selection processes and provide data and recommendations to ensure informed business awardswhile developing contractual agreements in collaboration with our client’s business and legal departments

Scope o f Responsibilities :

• Collaborate with Client Category Managers and/or SMEs on project strategy; determine sourcing approach and methodology to be applied based on the strategy
• You will lead and execute the GEP sourcing process from start to finish, e.g., spend data collection and analysis, supply market analysis and supplier discovery if needed
• You will manage suppliers during the sourcing process, including conducting supplier orientation and training on the sourcing process then following up with suppliers on milestone activities
• You will also perform in-depth analysis of proposals submitted, facilitate supplier evaluations, draw conclusions, prepare comprehensive summaries, and present to the client in a concise manner

• You should possess strong sourcing skills, including sourcing methodology and process, e-Sourcing technology, RFX development and management (3-5 years)
• Familiarity with various best practice sourcing approaches and techniques
• Knowledge of the indirect category would be advantageous (trends, suppliers, industry specifics and terminology, legal frameworks)
• You should have the ability to facilitate a total cost ownership discussion with a client team and identify total cost elements
• Strong ability to handle client issues and escalations with sensitivity and diligence, eliminating a need for further escalation
• Proficiency in using e-Sourcing tools.
• Excellent project management skill including project planning, time management, multitasking and critical path definition
• Strong customer service orientation including demonstrated communication during issue resolution and relationship management skills
• Willingness to learn and master client specific processes, terminology, political environment, systems and unique requirements by various business groups
• Solid decision-making and problem-solving ability using available facts in sensitive client situations

As GEP experiences active and rapid growth, we’re looking for people who want to flourish along with us — helping to pave the way to a brighter future.

To learn more about our comprehensive range of consulting and outsourcing services, please visit

GEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

GEP is a diverse, creative team of people passionate about procurement. We invest ourselves in our client’s success, creating strong collaborative relationships that deliver extraordinary value year after year. Our clients include market global leaders with far-flung international operations, Fortune 500 and Global 2000 enterprises, leading government and public institutions.

We deliver practical, effective services and software that enable procurement leaders to maximize their impact on business operations, strategy, and financial performance. GEP is a place where individuality is prized, and talent respected. We’re focused on what is real and effective. GEP is where good ideas and great people are recognized, results matter, and ability and hard work drive achievements. We’re a learning organization, actively seeking people to help shape, grow, and continually improve us.

At GEP, we are looking to continue our growth trajectory by expanding our talented managed services team.

As a Sr. Strategic Buyer, you will partner with our client and internal teams and manage the planning and execution of strategic sourcing initiatives using a multi-step sourcing process.

• Support category managers with category strategy plans, sourcing execution, and strategic sourcing tasks.
• Identify and communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders, such as suppliers, project sponsors, end-users, and other supporting functions like HR, Legal, and Finance.
• Leverage the GEP network of Category Experts and tools to deliver insights to any project or client.
• Provide support regarding Supplier Management/Procurement processes and policies.
• Establish negotiation strategies, identify and develop negotiation levers, validate them with stakeholders, and lead negotiations to ensure savings, timely supply, and other benefits for purchases, including business analytics, savings reporting, and tracking.
• Discuss with vendors and evaluate their products and capabilities as suppliers.
• Use SMART by GEP technology and client ERP systems for procurement operations.
• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, manage SOPs, decrease turnaround times, and streamline work processes.
• Manage all supplier selection and procurement activities (e.g., RFI, RFP, RFQ, Scorecard, and Bid Analysis).
• Work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Lead a small/medium-sized team.
• Participate in firm-building activities, including recruitment.

• Proven expertise in strategic sourcing, with focus on the following category: Directs (trends, suppliers, industry specifics, terminology, legal frameworks).
• Proficiency in English (both written and spoken).
• Experience managing and mentoring small to medium-sized teams, both operationally and in career development.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of large-scale centralized purchasing.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to engage with all levels of management in client organizations.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and presentation skills, including creating baselines, performing market tests/analyses, and succinctly summarizing key points via email or presentations.
• Experience leading and executing negotiations.
• Ability to manage multiple procurement projects simultaneously and assess new purchase requirements based on spend risk, etc.
• Knowledge of various categories, including trends, suppliers, industry specifics, terminology, and legal frameworks, would be advantageous.
• Advantageous: Business process improvement methodologies such as TQM, Six Sigma, APEX, etc.

Summary of the Vice President of Global Procurement role

As the Vice President of Global Procurement, you will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer where you will be responsible for developing a robust and innovative global strategy in the CDMO API supply chain space, in existing geographies while working collaboratively with business leaders.

You will be accountable for over £100 million in category spend for raw materials for API manufacture, chemicals, packaging, contract manufacturing, capital etc. You will also drive the development and implementation of robust category and sourcing strategies along with ensuring supplier relationship management best practices are embedded in how we do business with our regional and global suppliers. With a focus on quality, service, risk management, innovation, and cost savings, the Vice President of Procurement will be responsible for delivering total cost of ownership value while ensuring continuity and reliability of supply to meet our customer demands.

This is a remote working role with up to 30% global travel.

Who Are We?

We are a fast-growing global pharmaceutical CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation), with more than 50 years’ experience in developing and manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). We are a proven and trusted partner to some of the world’s most innovative biotechs and leading pharmaceutical companies and are widely recognised for our expertise in complex and hazardous chemistry.

We are a dynamic business, employing more than 1300 talented and passionate people in the UK, US and Europe who together support our customers in bringing new medicines to market, improving and saving the lives of patients. We support our customers through the full product lifecycle from pre-clinical development right up to full scale commercial manufacturing and today we are proud to have built a culture of excellence in science and unrivalled service.

Your responsibilities

• Leading our procurement team members, strategy, protocols and procedures, while developing, communicating and reinforcing best practices and driving standardisation in procurement, inventory management, procurement administrative processes, insurances etc.
• Identifying and qualifying best in class suppliers from across the globe, negotiating appropriate agreements to assure quality, service and price stability.
• Implementing policies and practices to build and maintain successful relationships.
• Championing a project portfolio pipeline of savings and value plans in alignment with business strategies to deliver sustainable productivity and supply and ensuring optimal cash management.
• Collaborating with Business Partners to deliver year over year productivity and risk mitigation plans, drive continuous improvement, build appropriate standardised metrics and scorecards.
• Contributing to continuous improvement in sourcing processes, tools and operating model and developing team capabilities with full utilisation of category, sourcing and contract management.
• Collaborating with our manufacturing, finance operations, engineering, business development and other functional teams to optimise efficiencies while managing business cost.
• Driving operating efficiencies by understanding business needs and complex supply markets.
• Accessing supplier capability and innovation for the business.
• Framing and driving cross-functional sourcing agenda as well as alignment between category spend and the needs and requirements of regions, countries and sites.
• Building a strategic vision and roadmap for digital solutions to drive automation of procurement processes, where possible, using latest digital technologies.
• Reviewing and updating procurement practices in accordance with new or changing environmental policies, standards, regulations, or laws.
• Working with Quality to maintain and enhance the Raw Material Supplier Assurance process. In conjunction with the quality team undertake quality audits of key raw material, consumable and service providers.
• Embodying our company values; Be Transparent, Be Willing, Be Reliable and Be Caring.

Requirements for the role

• Degree in Supply Chain Management/ or Procurement Management would be desirable.
• Significant global supply chain experience is essential with an understanding of the nuances and differences amongst business cultures.
• Significant experience in operational, procurement roles within the API or related industry.
• Excellency in direct material sourcing, contract negotiations, and supplier management.
• Broad knowledge of the operational market forces shaping an operations business context (e.g. supplier base, legal and regulatory environment, sources of competitive advantage).
• Demonstrated experience in identifying and utilising full set of direct material and service sourcing levers to drive value for stakeholders in direct materials in a small molecule pharmaceutical environment.
• Ability to conduct benchmarking to address cost, quality, risk and innovation considerations as well as to provide thought leadership and actively shape strategy.
• Provides support, mentorship and guidance to shape the category strategies of direct reports.
• Experience of implementing global standards while maintaining a strong regional execution and business connection.
• Ability to own and strengthen relationships with key customers and suppliers.
• Ability to lead according to the Sterling Values; Be Transparent, Be Willing, Be Reliable and Be Caring.

Why Consider Us?

Our collaborative and empowering culture is unique to us and is what really sets us apart as a business and this is built upon our four core values: Be Transparent, Be Reliable, Be Willing and Be Caring. We also run a variety of programmes across our sites to promote health, wellbeing and work life balance, in addition to supporting causes and charities close to our employees’ hearts, encouraging volunteering within the communities we are part of and even arranging socials, through our global social committees, to encourage team building and reward our team’s hard work.

At Sterling we promote mutual trust and respect regardless of your nationality, background, feelings, beliefs, gender or age. Our workforce, much like life, is made up of many different people with many different backgrounds, needs and perspectives. This is something we celebrate at Sterling, as it makes Sterling a better place to work and encourages innovation and collaboration.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package including bonus, pension scheme, private healthcare, Engagement Hub, cycle to work scheme, death in service coverage, on-site health and wellbeing support including medical consultations and physiotherapy, 24/7 employee assistance programme, employee referral scheme, sports and social club as well as opportunity for training and further career development.

• Purchasing/ Supply Management:
  • Manage contracts, KPI’s and SLA’s to ensure a continuous supply of goods and services, including bottling production, quality, and cost saving.
  • Meets with Local and European suppliers regularly to discuss service level agreements, orders and pricing. Advises COO of any significant price fluctuations.
  • Negotiate competitive/ best price increase for dry goods as well as effective and cost saving rebate structures and settlement discounts (European and SA markets).
  • Negotiating Rebates for the company on All exports and Volume baselines. This is not specific to Dry Goods.
  • Suppliers: Work closely with suppliers and evaluate performance. Quarterly updates and reconciliations with suppliers. Visit suppliers and build relationships.
• People Management:
  • Ensures effective communication between all personnel, supervising work of employees, including providing guidance in handling difficult problems and in resolving escalated complaints or disputes.
  • Manages staff performance and identifies training needs.
• Financial and Administration Processes:
  • Advises on administration processes to ensure stock is optimised for overseas bottling.
  • Lead group procurement for priority categories; effective supplier negotiations; build cross-functional relations; provide internal services (policy & process consultation) and regulate risk & compliance for credit- & contract agreements.
  • Perpetually engage in continuous improvement activities through the employment of modern best practices to achieve organisational objectives.
  • Engage in personal and professional development to stay abreast with current market and international/ European industry developments.
  • Ensure that the lowest logical level of stock and dry goods is being procured and kept.
• Analysis & Reporting:
  • Monitor, investigate and report on Rework, Deviation, CAR and Customer Complaints.
  • Flags problems with timing of dry goods delivery dates at least 2 (two) weeks before the production commences.
  • Compiles and maintains a global Stock Loss Analysis Report.
  • Identify, implement and manage cost-saving projects for the group.
  • Managing & influencing business behaviour to achieve targeted results, building & maintaining internal & external strategic relationships to facilitate continuous improvement initiatives.
• Quality Management System:
  • Adheres to and ensures staff compliance to QMS standards and procedures.
  • Follows QMS protocol as described by QMS procedures.
  • Ensures that the security site is intact for responsible areas.
  • Participates in various quality seminars when so required.
  • Adheres to the set GMP protocols.
• Health, Safety and Housekeeping:
  • Attends HACCP meetings and participates in training if so required.
  • Participates in H&S committee meetings and works closely with the Planning and Procurement Manager to ensure adherence to safe work practices as per company and statutory H&S policies and procedures.

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Procurement in a FMCG environment
• Advanced Excel and Word skills
• Financial background - Accounting Qualification (CIMA / CA) – an added advantage
• European/Group Procurement experience
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in broadly similar position with exposure to operations and manufacturing with experience in a costing environment.
• CIPS qualification would be advantages
• Computer Proficiency (MS Office, Advanced Excel & SAGE)

• Email your comprehensive CV to .
• If you are already registered, please forward your CV and the relevant reference number to the consultant with whom you are currently registered in order to avoid duplicity on our system.
• We reserve the right to only conduct interviews with candidates of choice.
• Applicants who have not received feedback within 30 days from the closing date must please accept their application as unsuccessful.

Job category: Manufacturing, Building and Manual Work

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: No

Hesto

The incumbent will report directly to the General Manager: Supply Chain and will be required to maintain the department at a level that ensures stable supply of components for Project and Production builds. Non Raw Material costs are in hand and at the best negotiated level, to ensure delivery to both business and end customer in a sustainable, professional manner in line with best practices. This position requires interaction with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders.

1. Advanced Purchasing
2. New Business Quotations
3. Management of Suppliers

• BCOM / Relevant degree with management & Supply chain modules
• 5 – 10 years in management position (Essential)
• 5 – 10 years Purchasing experience (Essential)

Heading up an Accounts Payable department is no easy feat, and for that reason, we are looking for someone who has been there and got the T-shirt! A multi-national company expanding its footprint within South Africa is looking for a specialist Creditors Manager, who comes from a high volume, Group Background and experience in the international scene to head up their AP Department. If you wear this T-shirt load and proud, apply today and let's chat!

1. Leadership of the full Accounts Payable function
2. Lead and manage a team of Accounts Payable specialists, including training and performance management
3. Ensure compliance with policies, control and relevant guidelines
4. Ensure

• Short term planning of Fries Factory
• Short term planning of Veg Packing Factory
• Short term planning of Bulk Veg supply
• Confirming and tracking of import orders
• Packaging purchases
• Various reporting including Planning reports; WBR reports and various other daily feedback reports

• Grade 12 as minimum requirement.
• Relevant Diploma – Supply Chain or Logistics would be an advantage.
• At least 3-5 years Agric or Supply Chain experience.
• Great Plains system experience.
• Computer Literacy MS (Word/Excel) is not negotiable.

• Attention to detail.
• Good communication skills.
• Diligent.
• Ability to work alone and under pressure in FMCG environment.