Technical Buyer

JOB OBJECTIVE(S)

The purpose of the job is to manage and continually improve an efficient and cost-effective process designed to facilitate the procurement of goods and services, tender processes, and contract negotiations through an integrated procurement process of Accounts Payable, Purchasing and Receiving ensuring compliance with Company policies and government regulations.

MAIN TASKS / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Source parts and materials both locally and internationally to achieve optimum cost effectiveness through investigation and alternative suppliers.
• Develop and implements short- and long-term procurement strategies designed to reduce costs and improve product availability, quality, and service.
• Determine and ensure availability of strategic suppliers for specific specialised areas
• Evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, service, availability, reliability.
• Coordinate supplier clarification sessions and technical reviews with cross functional teams and suppliers
• Measure effectiveness of operations and proposes methods of continuous improvement.
• Manage vendors data base in terms of type of supply acquired, supplier names, address and supplier scores, company segmentation and BBBEE compliances.
• Initiate strong partnerships with external vendors by negotiation purchase order contracts and subcontracts.
• Anticipate company needs and requirements by keeping abreast of market and product trends and developments.
• Negotiate with vendors for the lowest cost and incentives and analyse market price for competitiveness
• Resolves delivery and billing problems.
• Expedite the delivery of materials by suppliers for company to receive delivery timeously.
• Responsible for ensuring that appropriate authorisations and documentation is obtained for all procurement activities.
• Approves all purchase orders.
• Design and ensure implementation of departmental administrative systems to ensure maximum effectiveness.
• Participates in the development of specifications and appraisals of product and services.
• Resolve end user grievances and claims against suppliers.
• Preparation of budgets (expenses, Capex, savings) with all departments concerned
• Administer and develop the on-line purchasing and stock management system as well as maximising the utilisation of the ERP package.
• Review automatic re-order levels to ensure no stock-outs and to optimise company resources.
• Keep inventory levels to realistic minimum, in sync with market demand and shutdown periods.
• Controls and monitors price variances in conjunction with the Management Accountant and Financial Executive

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Inventory within budget
• Supplier Complaints (PPM)
• Suppliers on time delivery (OTIF)
• Downtime – External Material Availability
• Deviations

KNOWLEDGE

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Power Point and MS Project).
• Knowledge of company ERP system and other company systems
• Knowledge and understanding of product manufactured and technologies employed
• Technical Knowledge of machinery, equipment, and materials
• Excellent administrative, planning and organising skills with attention to detail

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Professional
• Assertive
• Good communicator (verbal/non-verbal)
• Effective decision maker
• Strong negotiator
• Conflict handling and resolution skills
• Driven, confident, self-motivated and results orientated
• Team player with good people management skills
• Mature with ability to tolerate stress
• Displays initiative

Non negotiables

• Degree supply chain management and/or Certified professional in supply chain (CPSM)
• 7 years plus in SCM
• Candidates with prior experience in procurement roles within the mechanical engineering/manufacturing industry. Familiarity with sourcing mechanical components/materials – being able to read drawings, managing supplier relationships, and optimizing procurement processes is essential.
• SAP S4 Hana and Microsoft suit (excel, word, outlook, powerpoint)