Senior Purchasing Manager

**Job Description: Purchasing Manager - Steel Coil & Production**

**Location**: South Africa **Industry**: Steel Manufacturing / Trading / Logistics **Employment Type**: Full-Time / Part Time

**Position Overview**:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced **Purchasing Manager** with strong expertise in steel coil procurement, production planning, and supply chain management. The role involves negotiating with local and international suppliers, managing vendor relationships, analyzing market trends, and ensuring a reliable supply of raw materials—primarily carbon steel coil and related products—at competitive prices.

The Purchasing Manager will play a critical role in balancing cost efficiency with quality assurance, while also supporting the production team in meeting client orders, delivery schedules, and compliance with international standards.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**1. Procurement & Supplier Management**
- Source, evaluate, and qualify suppliers of steel coil and related raw materials in South Africa and global markets.
- Negotiate purchase agreements, pricing structures, delivery schedules, and payment terms to optimize costs without compromising quality.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with steel mills, distributors, and trading partners.
- Monitor supplier performance, including delivery reliability, quality compliance, and after-sales support.

**2. Strategic Purchasing & Cost Control**
- Develop purchasing strategies that align with company goals, market demands, and production forecasts.
- Track global steel market trends, import/export regulations, and currency fluctuations to make informed purchasing decisions.
- Implement cost-reduction initiatives while ensuring material availability for uninterrupted production.

**3. Production & Inventory Coordination**
- Collaborate with production managers and engineers to determine material requirements based on project pipelines and client orders.
- Oversee inventory levels of steel coil, ensuring adequate stock while minimizing excess holding costs.
- Coordinate just-in-time (JIT) purchasing to improve efficiency and cash flow management.

**4. Compliance & Quality Assurance**
- Ensure all purchased steel coils meet technical specifications, international standards, and customer requirements.
- Work with the Quality Control department to resolve issues related to defective or substandard materials.
- Stay compliant with South African import/export laws, safety standards, and environmental regulations.

**5. Reporting & Administration**
- Prepare monthly purchasing reports covering pricing trends, supplier performance, and cost savings.
- Maintain accurate records of purchase orders, contracts, and supplier databases.
- Present forecasts and recommendations to senior management for budgeting and strategic planning.

**Qualifications & Experience**:

- **Bachelor’s degree** in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related field. Master’s degree or professional certifications like CIPS preferred.
- **5+ years of experience** in purchasing or supply chain management within the steel, metals, or heavy manufacturing industry.
- Strong knowledge of **carbon steel coil, rebar, and related industrial products.**
- Proven track record of supplier negotiations and cost savings in large-volume procurement.
- Familiarity with **ERP systems** (SAP, Oracle, or similar) and strong data analysis skills.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.

**Core Competencies**:

- Strong **negotiation and contract management** skills.
- Deep understanding of **global and African steel market trends**.
- High level of **analytical and problem-solving ability**.
- Ability to manage **complex supplier networks and logistics chains**.
- Effective decision-making under pressure and within tight deadlines.

**Compensation & Benefits**:

- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
- Performance-based bonuses tied to cost savings and supplier efficiency.
- Opportunities for career growth in procurement and supply chain leadership.
- Health benefits, retirement contributions, and relocation support (if applicable).

**Job Types**: Full-time, Part-time, Internship
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: From R52 959,60 per month

Expected hours: 20 - 40 per week

**Education**:

- Bachelors (preferred)

Willingness to travel:

- 25% (preferred)

Work Location: In person