Strategic Sourcing Specialist – Recycled Fibre

Johannesburg, Gauteng | Permanent

Shape the Future of Sustainable Procurement

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

Why Apply?

This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic procurement decisions, strengthen supplier partnerships, contribute to sustainability initiatives, and play a pivotal role in ensuring long-term supply chain resilience within a leading manufacturing environment.

If you are a commercially driven procurement professional who enjoys working in a strategic, market-facing role and thrives in a fast-paced environment, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply Today

Submit your updated CV to Boardroom Appointments.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.