Buyer - Agricultural Supplies

Placements24; Glen (MS); On-site; USD 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid benefits

Retirement fund

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Buyer for our agricultural cooperative client in Welkom, Free State. The role focuses on procuring fertilizers, seeds, chemicals, and machinery while maintaining supplier relationships and ensuring timely deliveries.

You will manage inventory, evaluate suppliers, and negotiate favorable terms to support seasonal demands and farm profitability. Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in purchasing or buyer role, preferably in agriculture.
• Familiar with agricultural inputs, equipment, and supply chains.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Proficiency in MS Office and inventory management systems.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure fertilizers, seeds, chemicals, and farm equipment.
• Identify and evaluate suppliers, negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules.
• Manage inventory levels to meet peak seasons and minimize costs.
• Maintain records of purchases, supplier agreements, and inventory data.
• Collaborate with cooperative members to understand supply needs.
• Ensure procured goods meet quality standards and regulations.
• Monitor market trends for inputs and advise purchasing strategies.
• Process purchase orders and coordinate supplier payments with finance.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and members.
• Assist in developing efficient procurement processes for the cooperative.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Inventory management

MS Office

Time management

Analytical thinking

Education

Agriculture/SCM/Business Admin degree

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural cooperative based in Welkom, Free State , is seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Buyer to manage the procurement of essential agricultural inputs and equipment. This role is vital for ensuring that our cooperative members have access to high-quality fertilizers, seeds, crop protection chemicals, machinery, and other necessary supplies at competitive prices. You will be responsible for sourcing from reliable suppliers, negotiating terms, managing inventory, and ensuring timely delivery to meet the seasonal demands of agriculture. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the agricultural sector and possess excellent negotiation and communication skills. This is a hands-on role offering the opportunity to make a significant impact on the productivity and profitability of local farming operations. You will work closely with farm managers and members to understand their specific needs and ensure our procurement strategies effectively support their agricultural endeavors.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and procure a variety of agricultural supplies, including fertilizers, seeds, chemicals, and farm equipment.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, negotiating favorable pricing, terms, and delivery schedules.
• Manage inventory levels for agricultural inputs, ensuring availability during peak seasons and minimizing carrying costs.
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, supplier agreements, and inventory data.
• Collaborate with internal teams and cooperative members to understand their specific supply requirements.
• Ensure all procured goods meet quality standards and relevant agricultural regulations.
• Monitor market trends for agricultural inputs and advise on purchasing strategies.
• Process purchase orders and manage supplier payments in coordination with the finance department.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and cooperative members.
• Assist in developing and implementing efficient procurement processes for the cooperative.

Requirements

• Previous experience in a purchasing or buyer role, preferably within the agricultural sector.
• Familiarity with agricultural inputs, equipment, and supply chains.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and experience with inventory management systems.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and independently.
• A relevant qualification in Agriculture, Supply Chain Management, or Business Administration is advantageous.
• Knowledge of the agricultural landscape and supplier network in the Free State .
• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, medical aid benefits, and a retirement fund.
• This position provides a stable and rewarding career within a vital sector, with opportunities for professional development.
• You will be part of a supportive cooperative environment focused on empowering local farmers in Welkom and the surrounding regions.