Technical Buying Manager

Overall Purpose / Objective of the Job

Under the general direction of the Commercial Operations Manager, the Buying Manager is responsible for strategic sourcing, selection and procurement of goods and/or services that meet the organisation's quality, cost, and delivery requirements. To ensure that supplier relationships are effectively managed, stock levels are optimised and purchasing decisions support operational needs and company profitability. The Buying Manager drives value through negotiation, market analysis and adherence to procurement policies, while ensuring continuity of supply and supporting the organisation's overall commercial objectives

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities of this Role

2.1 Supplier & Contract Management

2.2 Procurement & Sourcing

2.3 Strategic procurement management

2.4 Process Improvement & Reporting

2.5 Compliance & Risk Management

2.6 Leadership

Supplier & Contract Management

•Approve motivations for contracts and present motivations to Top Management for approval

• Lead contract negotiations regarding non-strategic supplier's contract award and make recommendations to contract

• Negotiate contracts with strategic suppliers

• Administers contracts for vendor performance/compliance within established limits

• Ensure compliance with a wide variety of purchasing policies, procedures, work instructions and/or monitoring purchasing process

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure continuity of supply

• Monitor supplier performance, quality, delivery, and compliance.

• Resolve supplier disputes, non-conformances, or delivery issues promptly.

• Conduct regular supplier reviews and maintain approved supplier lists.

Procurement & Sourcing

• Oversee the total enquiry tender process

• Pro-actively identify supply risks and develop mitigating strategies

• Ensure the uninterrupted supply of goods and services through ensuring the availability of a capable supply market

• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, reliability, and capacity. Recommend vendors, conduct bid meetings, etc., for the purpose of securing items and/or services within budget and in compliance with PPPFMA regulatory requirements and BBBEE compliance.

• Directs all functions related to the purchase of equipment, supplies and services for the purpose of ensuring compliance.

• Maintains purchasing information, files and records (e.g. requests for proposal, purchase orders, vender files) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of documentation and compliance with established policies and regulatory guidelines.

• Process purchasing related information (e.g. bid documents, tabulations, requisitions, electronic procurement, product specifications, statements of work, performance terms, contracts, etc) for the purpose of updating and distributing information, authorising for action and /or complying with established accounting practices.

•Manages assigned staff (e.g. employee concerns/ problems, directing work, training, disciplining, performance appraisals) for the purpose of ensuring work assignments are complete and within department objectives.

Strategic Procurement Management

• Develop and maintain procurement and contract management strategies, policies, procedures, work instructions and practices

• Ensure the assessment of supplier capability prior to awarding contracts.

• Develop and implement strategies to achieve group SMME and BEE targets and ensure that these targets are met

Process Improvement & Reporting

• Develop and improve procurement workflows, systems, and controls.

• Prepare and present procurement reports, KPIs, and spend analyses to management.
•Drive digital procurement initiatives (Automation, vendor portals).

• Management Reports monthly, quarterly and yearly. 2.5 Compliance & Risk Management
•Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company policies, PFMA/PPPFMA, and regulatory requirements.

• Maintain accurate procurement documentation and audit trails.

• Identify procurement risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Leadership

• Establish, guide, direct and oversee the Department aligned with overall strategy and objectives

• Identify and timeously address problems and opportunities central to business success
•Plan, select, develop and maintain suitable manpower capabilities for the Department
•Develop and maintain a high-performance team and ethical procurement culture

•Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders

• Ensure compliance with relevant legal and statutory requirements, meet principles of sound corporate governance and internationally accepted environmental, health, safety and quality standards

• Distinguish between neglect / negligence of job duties and poor performance due to training needs and deal with same in accordance with the company's disciplinary procedures Qualifications/Experience and Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Accounting, Materials Management or similar field.
•Working knowledge of project management principles and supply chain systems.
•Analytical Skills

• Excellent Networking Skills.

• SAP One experience

• Excellent MS Office skills – Excel at Advanced level

• Excellent knowledge and experience of administrative processes

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, team and organizational skills.

• Demonstrate a high degree of integrity and discretion.

• Responsive team player with the interest to take initiative and work in a fast-paced environment.

• 8 Years Experience in a similar working environment

Behavioural Attributes

• Self-motivated and disciplined

• Results driven

• Customer focused

• Approachable

• Team player

• Calm under pressure

• Attention to detail

• Safety conscious

• Professional

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement, supplier negotiations, and inventory management
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and financial management skills
• Technical knowledge of industrial materials or equipment is a plus
• Proficiency in managing data and using relevant procurement software or ERP systems
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• Proven work experience in a similar technical buying or procurement role