Strategic Sourcing Specialist
Boardroom Appointments · Johannesburg, Gauteng
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Start free — we apply for you →- Boardroom Appointments is recruiting on behalf of one of our valued clients for an experienced Strategic Sourcing Specialist – Recycled Fibre.
- This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially astute procurement professional to develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives within a dynamic manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring long-term security of supply, driving cost optimisation, strengthening supplier partnerships, and supporting sustainability objectives through innovative sourcing strategies.
Key Responsibilities As the Strategic Sourcing Specialist, you will:
- Develop and implement long-term strategic sourcing plans for recycled fibre.
- Analyse local and international commodity markets, pricing trends, export activity, exchange rates, freight costs, and market intelligence to support procurement decisions.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, recyclers, logistics providers, municipalities, and industry stakeholders.
- Lead commercial negotiations and manage strategic supplier agreements.
- Identify opportunities to optimise procurement costs while ensuring continuity of supply.
- Develop contingency plans and supplier diversification strategies to mitigate supply chain risks.
- Support sustainability initiatives and contribute to circular economy objectives.
- Prepare executive-level market intelligence reports and procurement recommendations.
- Collaborate closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Finance, Planning, and Sustainability teams to achieve business objectives.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics, Commerce, or a related discipline.
- 7–10 years' experience in strategic procurement or sourcing.
- Proven experience sourcing recycled fibre, recycled paper, or similar raw materials.
- Strong understanding of South African and international commodity markets.
- Demonstrated experience negotiating high-value commercial contracts.
- Strong commercial, financial, and analytical skills.
- Experience developing procurement strategies and managing supplier relationships.
- Understanding of logistics optimisation, exchange rate impacts, and procurement risk management.
- Knowledge of recycling legislation and Extended Producer Responsibility EPR principles will be advantageous.
Key Competencies We're looking for someone who demonstrates:
- Strategic sourcing expertise
- Commercial negotiation skills
- Commodity market analysis
- Supplier relationship management
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Financial and cost modelling
- Advanced analytical thinking
- Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
- Executive presentation and reporting skills
- Strong proficiency in Excel, Power BI, and data analysis tools