Buyer

MCE Electric; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

MCE Electric in Johannesburg is seeking a proactive Buyer to manage procurement, maintain stocking levels, and ensure high-quality electrical components at competitive prices. You will negotiate with suppliers, manage supplier relationships, and analyse purchasing trends to drive cost efficiencies.

The role requires experience in procurement, inventory management, and data reporting, with strong communication skills and a focus on cost reduction and value creation for the business.

Qualifications

• Must have strong negotiation skills and ability to build supplier relationships.
• Proficiency in inventory management and understanding of procurement processes.
• Analytical mindset with ability to report on purchasing trends and provide insights.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal.
• Kerridge experience preferred; MS Excel proficiency.
• Background in cost management, market research and data analysis for procurement decisions.
• Understanding of electrical components and fittings, lighting, solar products, DBs and industrial supplies.
• Knowledge of South African procurement, import processes and supplier ethics.

Responsibilities

• Select and purchase products or materials to meet company operations and keep stock levels.
• Prepare and submit packaging design briefs; ensure artwork is checked and sent to suppliers.
• Review supplier artwork proofs before final confirmation and negotiation of terms.
• Negotiate with suppliers to obtain best prices and terms and maintain relationships.
• Ensure purchased products meet quality standards and monitor costs to improve margins.
• Create and process purchase orders, track deliveries, ensure timely receipt of goods.
• Stay informed on market trends, new products, and potential suppliers.
• Collaborate with stock control and sales to align inventory with forecasts.
• Analyse purchasing data, prepare reports, and present findings for decision-making.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier relations

Inventory management

Procurement

Data analysis

Reporting

Communication

Kerridge ERP

MS Excel

Cost management

Market research

Electrical components

Import processes

Education

Grade 12 certificate

Diploma/degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Procurement/inventory certifications

Tools

MS Excel

Kerridge ERP

Job description

We are looking for:

We're looking for a highly skilled and proactive Buyer to manage the procurement process and ensure we maintain high-quality products at competitive prices to meet our operational needs. If you have experience in purchasing, supplier relationship management, and cost optimisation, we want to hear from you!

Knowledge and abilities:

• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build and maintain supplier relationships.
• Proficiency in inventory management and understanding of procurement processes.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to report on purchasing trends and provide actionable insights.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong Kerridge experience (preferred), MS Excel proficiency.
• Strong background in cost management, market research, and data analysis to drive procurement decisions.
• Understanding of electrical components and fittings, lighting, solar products, DBs and industrial electrical supplies
• Knowledge of South African procurement, import processes, and supplier ethics.
  

Key Responsibilities:

• Selecting and purchasing products or materials needed for the company's operations, ensuring that stock levels are maintained to meet demand.
• Prepare and submit marketing designs briefs for packaging development
• Ensure all packaging artwork is checked, approved and sent to the supplier.
• Review and approve supplier artwork proofs before final confirmation.
• Negotiating with suppliers to obtain the best prices and terms, building and maintaining strong relationships with them.
• Ensuring that the products purchased meet the company's quality standards.
• Monitoring and managing the costs of goods purchased, working to reduce expenses and improve profit margins.
• Creating and processing purchase orders, tracking deliveries, and ensuring timely receipt of goods.
• Staying informed about market trends, new products, and potential suppliers to keep the company's offerings competitive.
• Collaborating with the stock control and sales departments to ensure that inventory levels are optimal and aligned with sales forecasts.
  
• Analysing purchasing data, preparing reports, and presenting findings to management to support decision-making.

Boxes to tick:

• Grade 12 Certificate or equivalent.
• A relevant qualification in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field (e.g., a diploma or degree).
• Additional certifications in procurement or inventory management will be advantageous.
• Minimum of3years of experience in a buying or purchasing role within the electrical wholesale environment.
• Must have proven experience in purchasing locally and internationally.