Junior Buyer

1. Purpose of the Position

The Junior Buyer is responsible for providing administrative and operational support to the procurement function by assisting with the sourcing, purchasing and supply of materials, components, services and other requirements needed by the business.

The role supports all the relevant departments to ensure that goods and services are procured at the required quality, quantity, cost and delivery requirements while maintaining effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

2. Key Responsibilities Procurement and Purchasing

• Assist with the sourcing and purchasing of materials, components, consumables, services and other business requirements.
• Obtain and evaluate quotations from approved and potential suppliers.
• Prepare and process purchase requisitions and purchase orders in accordance with company procedures.
• Follow up on outstanding purchase orders and deliveries.
• Monitor supplier lead times and delivery performance.
• Ensure that purchased goods and services meet the required specifications, quality standards and delivery requirements.
• Assist in identifying alternative suppliers and sourcing opportunities.

Supplier Management

• Maintain effective working relationships with suppliers.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding quotations, purchase orders, delivery dates and supply-related queries.
• Assist with the maintenance and updating of supplier information and supplier databases.
• Escalate supplier delivery, quality or service issues to the relevant Senior Buyer or Manager.
• Assist with supplier performance monitoring where required.

Cost and Price Management

• Assist with obtaining competitive quotations and conducting price comparisons.
• Support cost-saving and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records of supplier quotations and pricing.
• Assist with identifying pricing discrepancies and resolving invoice or purchase order queries.

Inventory and Production Support

• Liaise with Production, Stores, Planning and other relevant departments to understand purchasing requirements.
• Assist in ensuring that materials are ordered in time to support production requirements.
• Monitor outstanding orders and potential supply shortages.
• Assist with the identification and escalation of potential stock shortages or supply risks.

Administration and Reporting

• Maintain accurate procurement and purchasing records.
• Update purchasing systems and databases with relevant information.
• Assist with the preparation of procurement reports and supplier information.
• Maintain filing and documentation in accordance with company procedures.
• Ensure that all purchasing activities comply with company policies and procurement procedures.

3. Key Performance Areas

The Junior Buyer will be measured on, amongst others:

• Timely placement and processing of purchase orders.
• Supplier delivery performance.
• Purchase order accuracy.
• Cost savings and cost reduction opportunities.
• Availability of materials and prevention of supply shortages.
• Accuracy and maintenance of procurement records.
• Compliance with procurement procedures.
• Effective communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

4. Minimum Requirements Education

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• A Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics, Business Management or a related field will be advantageous.

Experience

• 1–2 years' experience in a purchasing, procurement, supply chain or administrative environment would be advantageous.
• Experience within a manufacturing or automotive environment would be advantageous.
• Exposure to ERP or purchasing systems would be beneficial.

Knowledge and Skills

• Basic understanding of procurement and purchasing processes.
• Knowledge of purchase orders, quotations and supplier management.
• Good numerical and analytical skills.
• Good negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to analyse quotations and compare pricing.
• Good organisational and administrative skills.
• Ability to work accurately and manage multiple priorities.
• Understanding of inventory and supply chain principles would be advantageous.

5. Personal Attributes

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Attention to detail.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Commercial awareness.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Professionalism and integrity.
• Initiative and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Work Location: In person