Technical Buyer

We are looking for more than a general purchaser. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of manufacturing procurement, technical components, raw materials, maintenance spares and supplier management, with the ability to source the correct products to the required technical specification, quality and delivery requirements.

The successful candidate will work closely with Production, Maintenance, Stores and Management to ensure that materials, spares and components are available when required and that purchasing is managed effectively and competitively.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Technical Procurement

• Purchase technical components, machinery spares, production consumables and maintenance requirements.
• Source and procure plastic raw materials, including virgin and recycled materials where applicable.
• Source mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic components.
• Purchase bearings, belts, seals, motors, pumps, valves, sensors, heaters, electrical components and other engineering spares.
• Source welding, fabrication, workshop and general maintenance materials.
• Interpret technical specifications, part numbers, drawings and equipment requirements to ensure the correct items are purchased.
• Source replacement components for existing machinery and equipment, including obsolete or difficult-to-source parts.

Purchasing & Supplier Management

• Obtain, analyse and compare supplier quotations.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times and delivery arrangements.
• Ensure purchases provide the best overall value without compromising quality or technical requirements.
• Identify, evaluate and develop reliable suppliers.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Monitor supplier performance, pricing, quality and delivery.
• Identify alternative suppliers where required to reduce risk and improve availability.
• Expedite urgent and critical orders to prevent production or maintenance delays.
• Resolve supplier-related issues involving shortages, incorrect items, quality and late deliveries.

Purchase Orders & Administration

• Process purchase requisitions and generate purchase orders.
• Ensure purchase orders accurately reflect specifications, quantities, prices and agreed delivery dates.
• Follow up outstanding purchase orders and maintain accurate delivery information.
• Assist with stock-level monitoring and purchasing requirements.
• Work with Stores and relevant departments to identify minimum and maximum stock requirements.
• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing and purchasing records.
• Assist with procurement reporting and cost-saving initiatives.
• Ensure purchasing procedures and company approval processes are followed.

WORKING WITH THE BUSINESS

The Technical Buyer will work closely with:

• Maintenance
• Production
• Stores/Warehouse
• Finance
• Management
• External suppliers and service providers

The role requires someone who can understand what the business actually needs, rather than simply purchasing the cheapest available item.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience as a Technical Buyer, Buyer, Procurement Officer or similar position.
• Proven experience within a manufacturing, engineering, plastics or industrial environment.
• Experience purchasing technical and engineering-related products.
• Experience purchasing different types of raw materials and manufacturing consumables.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings, specifications, part numbers and equipment requirements.
• Experience dealing with suppliers and obtaining competitive quotations.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Strong purchasing and supplier evaluation skills.
• Good understanding of inventory and stock control principles.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Experience working with an ERP, procurement or stock management system will be advantageous.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage urgent purchasing requirements.

ADVANTAGEOUS TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE

Experience purchasing or sourcing the following will be highly advantageous:

• Plastic raw materials
• Injection moulding machinery spares
• Hydraulic components
• Pneumatic components
• Electrical components
• Motors and pumps
• Bearings, seals and mechanical components
• Sensors, heaters and control components
• Fabrication and welding materials
• Lubricants and maintenance consumables
• Production and packaging materials

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will be a hands-on, technically minded purchaser who understands that procurement in a manufacturing environment is about more than price.

You should be able to receive a technical requirement from Maintenance or Production, understand what is required, source the correct item, compare suppliers, negotiate the best overall commercial arrangement and ensure that the item is delivered when required.

You must be comfortable dealing with urgent breakdown requirements, technical suppliers and multiple purchasing priorities while maintaining proper purchasing controls and documentation.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Technically minded
• Commercially aware
• Strong negotiator
• Assertive when dealing with suppliers
• Highly organised
• Good attention to detail
• Proactive and solution-driven
• Able to work independently
• Able to prioritise urgent requirements
• Strong communication skills
• Reliable and accountable
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Pay: R10 339,34 - R30 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person