Strategic Sourcing Specialist at Boardroom Appointments

• 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