Technical Buyer

Our client currently has an opportunity for a Technical Buyer to be is responsible for leading negotiations, supplier management and independently identifying cost saving opportunities and initiatives.

The position is critical to ensure that direct and indirect purchases and material sourcing is done in a cost effective and in a timely manner, i.e. correct type/quality/quantity of materials at right price and within timeframe.

Requirements: Technical procurement experience, experienced in the handling of customers (customer collaboration), excellent organizational skills and the ability to multitask, ability to work in a pressurized environment, SAP or ERP system experience is essential. Matric / Grade 12 Certificate (Completed). N/DIP / B/Com Supply Chain / Procurement Management / Logistics / Finance (Advantageous).

**Position details**:
Type: Permanent
Reports to: Operations Manager

Job description / core competencies:
General and administration:

- Request quotes from suppliers and negotiate best price.
- Evaluate, select and monitor suppliers.
- Able to read technical drawings and work through complex BOMs.
- Address technical queries during quotation and procurement process.
- Purchase goods, materials, components or services in line with specified cost, quality and delivery targets.
- Expedite all orders placed and manage suppliers with KPIs.
- Build, maintain and manage supplier relationships with regards to effective and frequent communication.
- Ensure compliance to company guidelines, purchasing policies and procedures during supplier negotiations
- Assess and evaluate suppliers and contribute to performance reviews to ensure contract compliance.
- Check availability of stock with suppliers.
- Follow up on RFQ’s and ensure quotes are obtained same day.
- Prepare and provide suppliers with correct order number as no stock to be delivered without official order number.
- Run and action Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and/or other.
- Maintain proper record of orders placed, quotes obtained, etc.
- Keep order tracking sheet up to date.
- Support the production function and other relevant departments by communicating any supply problems which may impact on business operations direct or indirect.
- Act as an interface between suppliers and other relevant departments on purchasing processes, product changes and new projects and activities.
- Work closely with others in the business and review opportunities for continuous
- and business improvement.
- Negotiate contracts, improve prices and terms of business with suppliers and review opportunities to make business savings utilising negotiation and procurement best practice tools and methods.
- Liaise with the Finance department, regarding accounts issues and request for payment (RFP).
- Resolve all queries on statements which Finance has regarding orders.
- If components
- or an order-is cancelled, follow up on the credit note.
- Assist with credits.
- Ensure all request give through is approved by relevant manager prior to placing orders.

Technical:

- Obtain drawings and bill of materials.
- Analyse local availability of material and consumables and propose to Technical department for approval.

ISO & BEE audits:

- Critical evaluation of supplier services, delivery lead time and quality.
- Assist the Finance department with the compilation of all documentation required for BBBEE audit.
- Keep BBBEE file up to date.
- Ensure commercial and legal compliance.
- Adhere to the procurement risk register and minimize or mitigate risks.
- Keep Vendors list up to date.
- Evaluation of suppliers’ statutory compliance (BBBEE, tax clearance, company registration certificates) and make recommendations to manager.

Operations assistant responsibilities:

- Assist with stock take and preparations.
- Control and maintain stock levels of critical items.
- Compile daily, weekly and monthly reports.
- Ensure workshop are informed of parts arrival and follow up to ensure parts are fitted within correct time frame.
- Compiling the production schedule under the direction of the Operations Manager.
- Uploading plant maintenance files and maintaining the maintenance schedule.
- Assist in chasing production and parts for assembly.
- Continuously source and identify new suppliers and propose to QC- / Ops manager for approval.
- Ensure at least two suppliers are qualified for all supplies.
- Compare pricing of stock between current and competitive suppliers and suggest saving initiatives to manager.
- Assist and manage work suites and PPE purchases.
- Monitor and advise on any issues which present risk or opportunity to the organisation in relation to the purchasing function and make recommendations to manager.
- Performing general administration.

Receiving and dispatch:

- Ensure stock collections is communicated to the dispatch and receiving supervisor in a timely manner.
- Laisse and check with receiving clerk that stock is allocated to correct sales order and