Category Manager Directs

We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for a Category Manager (Directs), to Lead the Kumba portfolio of categories to maximise sustainable value and drive cost reduction for the business whilst developing holistic strategies and strategic partnerships that support our technical, sustainability and financial ambitions.

Be part of the team.

The team that makes it happen.

Guided by our purpose and values. We enable high performance and purposeful action as we aim to “re-imagine mining to improve people’s lives," delivering the metals and minerals that make modern life possible.

Kumba Iron Ore

We produce high-grade iron ore, the key component in steel widely used in construction and manufacturing worldwide. Our activities include all aspects: exploration, mining, processing and blending, shipping, marketing, and selling. In South Africa, we have mining operations in the Northern Cape province, a head office in Gauteng, and a port operation in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape.

As a Category Manager (Directs) you will provide services as required, and your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Ensure that regional category strategies, supplier selection criteria, and agreements clearly define safety, health, and sustainability performance standards and oversee their implementation and performance monitoring.
  • Ensure that the Supplier Management approach incorporates Contractor Performance Management requirements to ensure that suppliers meet delivery expectations in a way that reduces safety-related incidents.
  • Manage regional value creation strategies to deliver Anglo American’s safety and social performance requirements for contracting with responsible suppliers.
  • Determine safety co-innovation partnering approaches and ensure that these are embedded into strategies as relevant.
• Performance and Delivery
• Strategic Category Leadership & Planning
  • Translate business and Supply Chain strategies into forward-looking category strategies, plans, targets, budgets and risk-managed pipelines.
  • Govern category performance through structured plans, risk registers, value dashboards and regular reporting.
  • Ensure all category, sourcing, contracting and commercial planning activities (frontloading, pipelines, materials planning alignment) are scheduled, resourced and executed on time.
  • Provide strategic commercial insights to support executive decision-making.
• Cost Optimisation, Value Delivery & Continuous Improvement
  • Drive cost-saving, value-optimisation and efficiency initiatives using market insights, demand management and commercial levers.
  • Develop and implement total-cost-of-ownership, specification optimisation and waste-reduction strategies.
  • Monitor value delivery against approved targets and proactively manage risks or deviations.
  • Support sustainable value creation, integrating commercial, community, health, safety and environmental considerations.
• Sourcing, Contracting & Supplier Relationship Management
  • Lead end-to-end sourcing, contracting, contract management and administration across the category portfolio.
  • Negotiate and conclude agreements aligned to category strategies, ensuring seamless handover to site Supply Chain teams.
  • Develop bespoke agreements with Group Legal, addressing innovation, IP, data governance, inclusive procurement and commercial/technical performance expectations.
  • Manage strategic supplier relationships to support performance, innovation, long-term value and security of supply.
  • Collaborate with internal and global stakeholders to develop innovative sourcing solutions.
• Supplier Diversification, LCC Sourcing & Alternative Supply
  • Identify, assess and integrate alternative suppliers to strengthen supply resilience and commercial competitiveness.
  • Develop and implement low-cost country sourcing strategies with appropriate quality, compliance and risk controls.
  • Drive strong connectivity with materials management and warehousing to improve future demand alignment and address performance issues.
• Inclusive Procurement, Sustainability & Social Impact
  • Embed inclusive procurement objectives, targets and initiatives across the category portfolio.
  • Collaborate with Inclusive Procurement teams to incorporate community needs, local opportunities and supplier development initiatives.
  • Ensure inclusive procurement expectations are reflected in commercial agreements and managed through performance tracking.
  • Identify and implement sustainability and social initiatives supporting long-term community and environmental value.
• Stakeholder Engagement, Change & Capability Building
  • Engage and influence cross-functional stakeholders to align category strategies with business priorities.
  • Drive collaboration and alignment across regions on requirements, priorities and delivery plans.
  • Build procurement capability through coaching, knowledge sharing, Communities of Practice and behavioural leadership.
  • Support the adoption of Supply Chain Excellence standards, new ways of working and effective system utilisation.
• Governance, Compliance & Performance Excellence
  • Ensure compliance with procurement policies, ethical sourcing, governance standards, ESG requirements and relevant regulations.
  • Oversee accurate reporting of category activities, contract performance, supplier outcomes and value delivery.
  • Conduct holistic performance monitoring across the team, suppliers and contracts, intervening where required.
  • Ensure adherence to planned timeframes for sourcing events, contracting and modifications.
• People Leadership & Team Management
  • Lead, coach and develop a high-performing commercial team with deep category and industry expertise.
  • Manage team workload, resource balancing, execution discipline and performance outcomes.
  • Foster a diverse, inclusive and collaborative culture that supports innovation and professional growth.
• Integrated Delivery & Execution Management
• Oversee the end-to-end execution of all activities described in this role profile, ensuring coherence and alignment across workstreams.
• Drive effective coordination, resource allocation and timing across category strategy, sourcing, contractingand supplier management.
• Monitor progress, proactively address delivery risks, and ensure all interdependencies are managed for successful outcomes..

This position is in Kumba Iron Ore in Supply Chain (NC) at a Band 5 (E1) level and reports to the Head of Supply Chain

Qualifications

• A postgraduate qualification in Supply Chain/Logistics Management/Procurement or a relevant discipline on NQF8.
• SA Drivers Licence

Technical Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of the commercial corporate environment, with an understanding of industry practices and complexities, supported by 8-10 years of relevant experience or equivalent practical exposure.
• Comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects across the Supply Chain value chain.
• Knowledge of safety and sustainability principles of Supply Chain operations and Inclusive Procurement.
• Familiarity with commercial principles, negotiation strategies, business case development, and investment appraisal techniques.
• Awareness of regional and local legislative requirements related to Inclusive Procurement and Responsible Sourcing within Anglo American’s portfolio context.
• Advanced understanding of Category Management, sourcing, contracting processes, and the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach.
• Proficiency in Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and Supplier Performance Management (SPM) concepts and practices. Strong foundational knowledge of critical thinking and systems thinking to analyse complex issues and support effective decision-making.

Who are we?

Anglo American is a diversified global mining business. Our portfolio of world-class mining operations provides the metals and minerals that make modern life possible. We use innovative practices and the latest technologies to discover new resources and mine, process, move and market our products to our customers worldwide.

As responsible miners of diamonds (through De Beers), copper, platinum, and other precious metals, such as iron ore, coal, and nickel, we are the custodians of what are precious natural resources. We work with our key partners and stakeholders to unlock the sustainable value those resources represent for our shareholders, the communities and countries in which we operate, and society.

What we offer

When you join Anglo American, you can expect to enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package. But more than this, you’ll find yourself in an environment where the opportunities for learning and growth are second to none. From technical training to leadership programmes, we bring out the best in our people. There are plenty of opportunities to move onwards and upwards, too. We’re a large, successful multinational company – and we’re still growing constantly.

Inclusion and Diversity

Anglo American is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so everyone can fulfil their potential.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. During this process, you can upload your CV and other relevant documentation.