Category Manager - Spare Parts & Logistics - Midrand, Gauteng - R420,000 CTC

SUMMARY:
The purpose of this role is to balance precise digital planning in SAP S4/Hana with operational urgency to resolve stock shortages, coordinate customs clearances, and maintain customer lifelines.

POSITION INFO:

Category Manager - Spare Parts & Logistics - Midrand, Gauteng - R420,000 CTC

Drive the end-to-end lifecycle, commercial performance, and availability of elevator and escalator components to ensure minimal downtime for critical public infrastructure.

About Our Client

Our client operates in the elevator and escalator sector, managing mobility assets and specialized electronic and mechanical lifting equipment components. The business handles technical inventory, global supply chain execution, international shipping, and local distribution across South Africa.

The Role: Category Manager - Spare Parts & Logistics

The purpose of this role is to balance precise digital planning in SAP S4/Hana with operational urgency to resolve stock shortages, coordinate customs clearances, and maintain customer lifelines. The position combines commercial management expertise with global supply chain execution to align inventory investments with revenue goals, cash flow targets, and strict service level agreements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage multi-million Rand budgets, total cost of ownership, and financial performance over a minimum of 5-8 years of technical inventory experience.

• Formulate and execute category strategies for elevator and escalator parts while driving cost-reduction initiatives.

• Execute and analyze daily SAP S4/Hana MRP runs every morning to generate accurate purchase requisitions and audit material master data.

• Process purchase requisitions, place purchase orders, confirm orders with suppliers, and communicate updates to users.

• Oversee stock allocation between central hubs in Gauteng and regional forward-stocking locations in Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth.

• Manage relationships with clearing agents and freight forwarders, issuing shipping, forwarding, clearing, and inward haulage instructions.

• Act as the primary escalation point for "Unit Down" breakdown scenarios by sourcing emergency parts locally or via global express networks.

• Implement lifecycle management strategies for slow-moving or obsolete parts to reduce working capital traps.

About You

• Minimum 5 to 8 years of experience directly managing complex technical inventory, preferably in elevator/escalator, heavy machinery, automotive, or industrial engineering sectors.

• Minimum 5 years of category management experience, 5 years of international buying experience, 5 years of import/shipping/freight experience, and 3 years of commercial experience.

• NQF Level 7 qualification, specifically a Bachelor''s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Commerce, or a related Business/Engineering discipline.

• Hands-on practical expertise within the SAP S4/Hana ecosystem and daily Material Requirements Planning (MRP) run optimization.

• Technical knowledge of SARS customer regulations, tariff codes (HS Codes), exchange rate fluctuations (ZAR hedging), port handling procedures, Incoterms, and international trade compliance.

• High level of proficiency in Excel, Word, MS Windows, basic accounting skills, and strong business acumen.

• Assertive, detail-oriented, highly numerate, self- and deadline-oriented, and able to thrive under pressure in breakdown scenarios.

• CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) membership or a post-graduate business qualification is advantageous.