Buyer - Agricultural Supplies

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein is seeking an experienced Buyer to manage the procurement of agricultural inputs, equipment, and services. This hands-on, on-site role focuses on sourcing quality inputs, negotiating supplier terms, and ensuring timely deliveries to support farming operations.

You will build relationships with chemical and fertilizer suppliers, machinery providers, and tech partners, monitor inventory, forecast needs by season, and collaborate with farm managers to meet procurement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in procurement, preferably in agriculture.
• Knowledge of agricultural inputs, farming practices, and supply chain considerations.
• Strong negotiation history and ability to achieve cost savings.
• Experience with inventory management principles.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder relations skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and procurement software.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to work on-site in Bloemfontein.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure agricultural inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, feed, and machinery parts.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, assessing reliability, quality, and pricing.
• Negotiate contracts and purchase agreements to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
• Manage supplier relationships, ensuring consistent supply and addressing performance issues.
• Monitor inventory levels and forecast future needs based on seasonal requirements.
• Process purchase orders accurately and efficiently, ensuring policy compliance.
• Stay informed about market trends, commodity prices, and innovations in the agricultural sector.
• Collaborate with farm managers and operational teams to understand procurement needs.
• Ensure timely delivery of all procured items to various farm locations.

Skills

Procurement

Negotiation

Vendor management

Inventory management

Communication

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Tools

Agricultural procurement software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural enterprise based in Bloemfontein , is seeking a dedicated and experienced Buyer to manage the procurement of essential agricultural supplies, equipment, and services. This critical role involves sourcing high-quality inputs, negotiating favourable terms with suppliers, and ensuring timely delivery to support the company's extensive farming operations. You will be responsible for managing relationships with a diverse range of vendors, from chemical and fertilizer suppliers to machinery and technology providers. The position requires a strong understanding of the agricultural sector and its unique supply chain challenges. This is a hands-on, on-site role located in the heart of the Free State , offering the opportunity to directly contribute to the success and sustainability of a vital industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and procure agricultural inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, feed, and machinery parts.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, assessing their reliability, quality, and pricing.
• Negotiate contracts and purchase agreements to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
• Manage supplier relationships, ensuring consistent supply and addressing any performance issues.
• Monitor inventory levels of key agricultural supplies and forecast future needs based on seasonal requirements.
• Process purchase orders accurately and efficiently, ensuring compliance with company policies.
• Stay informed about market trends, commodity prices, and innovations within the agricultural sector.
• Collaborate with farm managers and operational teams to understand their procurement needs.
• Ensure timely delivery of all procured items to various farm locations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in procurement, with a focus on agricultural supplies or commodities.
• Proven knowledge of agricultural inputs, farming practices, and the associated supply chain.
• Strong negotiation skills and a track record of achieving cost savings.
• Experience with inventory management principles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and agricultural procurement software.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Must be willing to work on-site in Bloemfontein .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package and a comprehensive benefits plan, including medical aid and retirement fund contributions. This role provides direct exposure to the agricultural industry's supply chain, offering unique learning opportunities. Employees benefit from a stable work environment and the chance to contribute to a company that plays a significant role in food production. Opportunities for professional development and advancement within the organization are available. The position is based in Free State , requiring full-time dedication on-site.