Head of Category Management

About this role

International Facilities Services (IFS Africa) is hiring a Head of Category Management based in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal. The role leads sourcing, contracting and supplier relationship management across the group’s operating markets.

What you’ll do

• Own the sourcing, contracting and supplier relationship model, including the yearly delivery plan.
• Turn business strategy, demand forecasts and spend data into clear category and sourcing priorities.
• Lead large, high-risk and cross-market sourcing projects from strategy through to award and rollout.
• Set up strong contract lifecycle controls, from drafting and approval through to renewals, variations and exit.
• Run supplier relationship programmes for strategic, critical and developing suppliers.
• Chair performance and value reviews for key suppliers and step in where underperformance continues.
• Work with Operations, Finance, Legal, HSSE and market leaders so sourcing decisions can be carried out in practice.
• Coach your team and build sourcing skills through standards, playbooks and deal reviews.

What you need

• A relevant bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Commerce, Engineering, Finance or an equivalent field.
• MCIPS/CIPS or an equivalent professional designation (required).
• 12+ years of progressive procurement experience, including senior leadership of strategic sourcing, contracting and supplier management in complex multi-site or multi-country environments.
• A valid Code EB driver’s licence (required).
• A postgraduate qualification (advantageous).
• Willingness to travel to sites across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Is this job for you?

This role suits a senior procurement professional who has led complex sourcing across several sites or countries. You should be comfortable setting strategy, negotiating at high level and developing a team. Preference will be given to internal applicants, and appointments that support the company’s Employment Equity and Affirmative Action goals.

Tips before you apply

• Have your degree certificate, CIPS or MCIPS proof and driver’s licence copy ready before you apply.
• Show your years of senior sourcing experience clearly on your CV, with the size of spend, number of suppliers and countries you managed.
• Give concrete examples of contracts you have led from award through to renewal or exit, and the savings or risk outcomes you delivered.