Product & Procurement Manager

Reference: MID
729

Location:

Vereeniging, Gauteng

Closing Date: 23 October 2026

An established technical supply and industrial solutions business is seeking an experienced Product & Procurement Manager to oversee its product portfolio, procurement strategy, supplier relationships and commercial performance.

This is a strategic role suited to a commercially minded professional with strong technical knowledge of hydraulics, industrial tooling or technical wholesale and distribution. The successful candidate will be responsible for optimising product profitability, improving sourcing efficiency, maintaining appropriate stock availability and developing a private-label product range to strengthen market positioning and margins.

• Develop and execute product strategies to improve profitability, market competitiveness and overall range performance.
• Manage product pricing, gross profit margins, contribution margins, landed costs, foreign exchange exposure and supplier rebate structures.
• Oversee procurement planning, supplier sourcing, purchasing and commercial negotiations.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships while monitoring supplier performance, pricing and service delivery.
• Lead the development, positioning and management of the company's private-label product range.
• Optimise stock availability, inventory levels, forecasting and replenishment to meet business requirements.
• Analyse product performance, procurement costs and commercial data to identify opportunities for improved profitability and efficiency.
• Maintain accurate product, pricing, procurement and supplier information across relevant business systems.
• Utilise dashboards, reporting tools and analytics to support informed commercial decision-making.
• Support product marketing initiatives, product positioning and the development of technical product content.
• Identify sourcing opportunities, product gaps and opportunities to improve the company's competitive advantage.
• Apply AI tools where appropriate to support analysis, forecasting, research and content development.

• At least 5 years' experience in product management, category management or procurement.
• Experience with in industrial tooling, hydraulics, technical wholesale or distribution is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrable experience in supplier management, commercial negotiations, procurement planning and product profitability.
• Strong commercial understanding of pricing strategies, gross profit margins, landed costs and supplier rebate structures.

• Hydraulics:
  Understanding of high-pressure hydraulic systems, including 700-bar principles relating to pressure, force, flow and tonnage.
• Hydraulic Products:
  Knowledge of cylinders, pumps, valves, hoses, couplers and fittings.
• Industrial Applications:
  Familiarity with torque wrenches, bolt tensioners, lifting and pressing applications.
• Hydraulic Safety:
  Understanding of hydraulic safety standards, testing procedures and safe equipment operation.
• Commercial Management:
  Product-line profitability, pricing, contribution margins, landed costs, foreign exchange and rebate structures.
• Systems & Analytics:
  Operational proficiency in SAP Business One, Qlik View for dashboards and reporting, and Netstock for forecasting and replenishment.
• AI Tools:
  Practical application of AI tools for analysis, forecasting, research and content development.

• A technical diploma, National Diploma (N-Dip), relevant trade qualification or engineering qualification is preferred.
• Additional training or qualifications in hydraulics or fluid power will be advantageous.

• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Analytical thinking and sound decision-making.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive results without direct authority.
• Strong supplier and stakeholder relationship management.
• Effective problem-solving and planning abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Organised, proactive and results-driven approach.
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability and initiative.
• Collaborative team player with a focus on efficiency and continuous improvement.