Johannesburg: Strategic Sourcing Lead – Lanseria

Position Title: Strategic Sourcing Lead Location: Johannesburg, South Africa Employment Type: Full-time About the Role: A leading global manufacturing and engineering solutions company is seeking an experienced Strategic Sourcing Lead to drive supplier development, cost optimization, and localization initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa. The ideal candidate will have strong procurement strategy experience, exceptional negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of sourcing within the packaging, engineering, or manufacturing industries . Key Responsibilities: Lead and execute strategic sourcing initiatives to enhance supplier performance and reduce procurement costs. Profile and assess current supplier base, conduct market research, and identify sourcing opportunities across the region. Develop and implement supplier engagement and onboarding strategies aligned with regional procurement objectives. Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service levels with suppliers to optimize value and mitigate supply chain risks. Oversee supplier performance reviews and ensure compliance with company procurement policies and ethical standards. Build and maintain a reliable supplier database while driving local sourcing and manufacturing initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth integration of new suppliers and alternative sourcing options. Provide strategic insight and reporting on spend analysis, cost savings, and localization performance metrics. Support business continuity by implementing dual sourcing and risk management strategies. Influence internal stakeholders to adopt best procurement practices and contribute to innovation and continuous improvement. Qualifications & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Procurement, Supply Chain, or a related analytical field . CIPS qualification preferred. Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management. Background in packaging, manufacturing, or engineering (plastic/metal components) highly advantageous. Proven experience in localization projects and supplier development. Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and perform under pressure. Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to lead change and drive process improvement. Core Competencies: Strategic Thinking Supplier Relationship Management Change Management Commercial Acumen Influencing & Negotiation Skills Data-Driven Decision Making Collaboration & Teamwork