Strategic Buyer - Mining Supplies

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 54,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Medical coverage

Retirement plan

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Strategic Buyer for a major mining operation near Upington, Northern Cape. The role focuses on sourcing specialized equipment, consumables, and services, with a mandate to optimize costs, quality, and supply chain resilience in a demanding sector.

You will lead negotiations, analyze markets, and collaborate with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to meet production timelines while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum 8 years in strategic procurement with mining or heavy industry experience.
• Proven ability to source complex equipment and specialized consumables.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and contract-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for mining equipment, parts, explosives, chemicals, and consumables.
• Lead complex negotiations with national and international suppliers for favorable terms.
• Analyze the mining supply market to identify risks, suppliers, and cost drivers.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure performance and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee end-to-end procurement lifecycle from tendering to delivery.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations to align procurement with project timelines.
• Drive procurement best practices to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and technology adoption in procurement.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Mining industry knowledge

Analytical skills

Project management

ERP/SAP

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

About the Role Our client, a major player in the mining industry based near Upington, Northern Cape , is seeking a highly skilled Strategic Buyer. This critical role focuses on the procurement of specialized equipment, consumables, and services essential for mining operations. The Strategic Buyer will be instrumental in developing and executing sourcing strategies that optimize costs, ensure quality, and maintain supply chain resilience in a demanding sector. This position requires a robust understanding of mining supply chains, strong negotiation capabilities, and a commitment to operational excellence. The opportunity to work in the unique landscape of the Northern Cape near Upington is a key attraction.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for mining-specific equipment, machinery parts, explosives, chemicals, and operational consumables.
• Lead complex negotiations with national and international suppliers to secure competitive pricing and favorable contract terms.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis of the mining supply landscape, identifying key suppliers, risks, and cost drivers.
• Manage and foster strong relationships with critical suppliers, ensuring performance meets stringent operational requirements.
• Oversee the entire procurement lifecycle, from tendering and contract management to order fulfillment and delivery.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to ensure alignment of procurement activities with project timelines and production needs.
• Implement best practices in procurement and supply chain management to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards within the mining sector.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and technology adoption in supplier management and procurement processes.
• Mitigate supply chain risks through strategic supplier diversification and contingency planning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in strategic procurement, with a significant portion focused on the mining or heavy industrial sectors.
• Demonstrated expertise in sourcing complex technical equipment and specialized consumables.
• Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and contract management skills.
• Strong understanding of supply chain dynamics within the mining industry, including logistics and regulatory frameworks.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and procurement management software.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to travel to supplier sites and mine locations as required.
• Experience working in remote or challenging operational environments is advantageous.
• Based in or willing to relocate to the vicinity of Upington .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including performance bonuses, comprehensive medical coverage, and an attractive retirement plan. Employees will have the opportunity to work on significant projects within a leading mining organization. Professional development and career advancement opportunities are abundant. Working near Upington provides access to the unique natural beauty and tranquility of the Northern Cape .