Buyer

Job Title

Buyer

Reporting to

Sourcing Manager

Location

New Concept Mining, Aeroton, Johannesburg

Purpose

The purpose of the Direct Buyer role is to oversee the procurement of raw materials, components, and services essential for manufacturing operations. This includes managing supplier relationships, negotiating favorable contracts, and ensuring the timely delivery of quality materials to support production schedules.

Qualifications Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Procurement, or a related field. (or equivalent work experience).

Knowledge &Experience

• 3–5 years of experience as a buyer or in procurement within a manufacturing environment.
• Comprehensive understanding of sourcing raw materials, components, and equipment directly linked to production processes.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Syspro) and procurement tools to manage purchasing workflows.
• Strong knowledge of supplier markets, cost structures, and global sourcing practices.
• Familiarity with inventory management, production planning, and demand forecasting.
• Experience in negotiating contracts, SLAs, and supplier agreements.
• Knowledge of quality assurance standards, sustainability practices, and regulatory compliance.

Competencies

SELF

• Strong analytical skills for assessing supplier options and making data-driven decisions.
• Excellent negotiation and problem-solving abilities to drive value in supplier agreements.
• Detail-oriented and self-motivated, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic and fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Competencies

Others

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills to collaborate with suppliers and internal teams.
• Ability to manage supplier performance and foster long-term partnerships.
• Team-oriented approach with a focus on cross-functional collaboration.
• Effective conflict resolution skills to handle supplier or operational challenges.

Competencies

Work

• Strategic mindset to align purchasing activities with production goals and cost-saving objectives.
• Highly organized, capable of managing multiple procurement activities simultaneously.
• Results-driven with a commitment to achieving efficiency improvements and cost optimization.
• Compliance-focused, ensuring adherence to procurement policies and industry standards.

Responsibilities

Functions & Tasks

KPI

• Procure raw materials, components, and supplies directly related to production requirements, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality standards.
• Identify and engage reliable suppliers, conducting evaluations to meet production and quality needs.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules to support manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with production teams to align material availability with production schedules and forecasts.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance to ensure quality, timeliness, and compliance with agreements.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels by coordinating with inventory and warehouse teams to prevent overstocking or shortages.
• Analyze market trends and risks to identify opportunities for cost savings and procurement efficiencies.
• Ensure all procurement activities align with company policies, regulatory standards, and sustainability goals.

• Supplier Management: Evaluate, onboard, and monitor suppliers, ensuring alignment with operational requirements.
• Negotiation: Secure competitive pricing and favorable terms while building strong supplier relationships.
• Procurement Execution: Manage the end-to-end purchasing process, from order placement to delivery.
• Inventory Coordination: Work with inventory and production teams to optimize stock levels and material availability.
• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify and address risks related to supply chain disruptions or material shortages.
• Compliance Oversight: Ensure adherence to quality, safety, and regulatory standards in procurement activities.
• Reporting: Provide detailed reports on supplier performance, cost savings, and inventory metrics to management.

• Achieve cost savings targets through effective sourcing and negotiation.
• Maintain uninterrupted production schedules by ensuring timely delivery of materials.
• Improve supplier performance metrics, including quality and on-time delivery.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels to balance cost efficiency and availability.
• Ensure 100% compliance with procurement policies and quality standards.
• Provide accurate and timely reports on procurement activities and outcomes.