Technical Buyer

The Technical Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and expediting engineering spares, technical equipment, maintenance materials, production consumables, and specialised services required to support the continuous operation of the steel manufacturing plant.

The incumbent will work closely with Maintenance, Engineering, Production, Stores, and Finance departments to ensure the timely procurement of quality products and services at competitive prices while maintaining optimal inventory levels and supplier performance.

The role requires strong technical knowledge, commercial acumen, and the ability to interpret engineering specifications and technical drawings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Procurement and Sourcing

• Source and procure engineering spares, electrical components, mechanical equipment, tools, consumables, and technical services.
• Obtain and evaluate quotations from approved suppliers.
• Prepare and process purchase orders in accordance with company procurement policies.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, warranties, and commercial terms.
• Ensure timely procurement of critical production and maintenance requirements.
• Identify alternative suppliers and products to reduce costs and improve supply continuity.

Technical Purchasing

• Interpret engineering specifications, technical drawings, bills of materials, and equipment manuals.
• Verify technical requirements with engineering and maintenance departments before placing orders.
• Ensure purchased items meet required technical and quality standards.
• Source replacement parts for plant equipment and machinery.
• Liaise with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and specialised suppliers.
• Assist in identifying equivalent or substitute products where appropriate.

Supplier Management

• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Conduct supplier evaluations and performance reviews.
• Monitor supplier delivery performance and quality standards.
• Resolve supplier-related issues including delays, quality concerns, and non-conformances.
• Support supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives.

Inventory and Materials Management

• Work closely with Stores personnel to monitor stock levels.
• Assist in maintaining minimum and maximum stock levels for critical spare parts.
• Identify opportunities to reduce excess inventory and obsolete stock.
• Support inventory optimisation and materials planning initiatives.
• Participate in annual stock-taking and inventory verification processes.

Cost Management

• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or operational requirements.
• Conduct market research and benchmarking exercises.
• Support annual budgeting processes for maintenance and engineering procurement.
• Monitor purchasing trends and expenditure.
• Assist in achieving procurement cost reduction targets.

Expediting and Order Management

• Monitor outstanding purchase orders and delivery schedules.
• Expedite urgent orders to prevent production interruptions.
• Communicate delivery updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Resolve supply chain disruptions and procurement challenges promptly.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate procurement documentation and records.
• Adhere to ethical procurement standards and conflict-of-interest requirements.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Reporting and Administration

• Prepare procurement reports and purchasing performance metrics.
• Maintain supplier databases and procurement records.
• Monitor procurement KPIs and supplier performance indicators.
• Generate reports on procurement savings, supplier performance, and purchasing activities.
• Assist management with procurement analysis and forecasting.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• National Diploma in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Engineering, or Business Management.
• CIPS qualification or equivalent procurement certification.
• Technical or engineering qualification will be advantageous.