Buyer

Fouche & Co Recruitment; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 152,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

Fouche & Co Recruitment seeks a Buyer/Procurement specialist to source materials and services for a Durban-based manufacturing client. You will negotiate terms, manage purchase orders, and monitor supplier performance to support production and quality goals.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years in buying, strong Excel, and experience with ERP systems. Local and international suppliers experience is required, with a focus on cost control and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• Matric / Grade 12 is required.
• Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field.
• 3–5 years' stable experience in buying, procurement, or purchasing.
• Proven local and international sourcing experience.
• Manufacturing industry experience is advantageous.
• MS Excel proficiency; ERP or accounting system experience beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Source and purchase raw materials, components, packaging, consumables, tools, equipment, and services from local and international suppliers.
• Obtain quotations and negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms, and service levels.
• Create, process, and track purchase orders accurately and timeously.
• Follow up with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Monitor stock levels and collaborate with production, planning, stores, finance, and quality teams to prevent shortages.
• Maintain supplier documentation, including invoices, delivery notes, and purchase records.
• Assist with supplier evaluations, performance tracking, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Escalate potential supply risks, price changes, or quality issues to management.

Skills

MS Excel

ERP systems

Stock control

Supplier lead times

Production planning

Negotiation

Education

Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management/Procurement

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

The client is an established South African business operating across the technology, manufacturing, and distribution sectors. Located in La Mercy in Durban, they focus on high-quality production and delivery standards within a modern industrial hub. The Buyer will be responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing the delivery of raw materials, components, consumables, and services required for production and general business operations. This position plays a critical role in ensuring material availability, maintaining quality standards, and optimizing costs to support ongoing manufacturing requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Source and purchase raw materials, components, packaging, consumables, tools, equipment, and services from local and international suppliers.
• Obtain quotations and professionally negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms, and service levels.
• Create, process, and track purchase orders accurately and timeously.
• Follow up consistently with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Monitor stock levels closely and collaborate with production, planning, stores, finance, and quality teams to prevent shortages.
• Maintain comprehensive supplier documentation, including invoices, delivery notes, and purchase records.
• Assist with supplier evaluations, performance tracking, and the identification of cost‑saving opportunities.
• Escalate potential supply risks, price changes, or quality issues to management efficiently.

Requirements

• Matric / Grade 12.
• A completed Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field.
• 3 to 5 years' stable experience in a buying, procurement, or purchasing role.
• Proven experience in local and international sourcing.
• Previous experience working within a manufacturing industry is highly advantageous.
• Proficiency in MS Excel with strong Excel skills; experience using an ERP or accounting system is beneficial.
• Clear knowledge of stock control, supplier lead times, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and production planning.
• Experience purchasing electrical components, cables, plastic components, or engineering items is advantageous.

Attributes

• Strong organizational, administrative, and follow‑up skills.
• Excellent negotiation and communication abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy under pressure.
• Honest, reliable, and capable of working with minimal supervision.
• Proactive, assertive, and highly cost‑conscious.
• A collaborative team player dedicated to meeting operational deadlines.

Salary

• R15 000 CTC per month.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.