Buyer - Chemical Procurement

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement funds

Training and professional development

Stable employment with reputable firm

Close-knit team environment

Access to specialized chemical network

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, seeks an experienced Buyer to source and procure chemical materials, negotiate terms, and manage supplier relationships to ensure safe, compliant supply chains. This on-site role collaborates with production, QA, and maintenance teams to forecast needs and mitigate risks.

The ideal candidate holds a chemistry-related degree, has at least three years in chemical procurement, and is proficient with ERP systems and procurement software.

Qualifications

• 3+ years procurement experience in chemical/petrochemical industries.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Proficiency with ERP and procurement software.
• Ability to work on-site in Mossel Bay.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure chemical materials according to specs and forecasts.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery with suppliers.
• Manage supplier relationships and perform performance reviews.
• Maintain procurement records and purchase orders.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with production, QA, and maintenance teams.
• Monitor market trends and identify supply risks.
• Assist in inventory planning for chemical stock.
• Process purchase requisitions and convert them into purchase orders.

Skills

Negotiation

Contract management

Organizational skills

Time management

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Supply chain

Vendor relations

Hazardous materials

On-site collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

ERP systems

Procurement software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the petrochemical industry, is actively seeking a dedicated Buyer to manage the procurement of essential chemicals and related materials. This role is crucial for maintaining operational continuity and ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety in the supply chain. The position is based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, and requires the successful candidate to be on-site to facilitate close collaboration with plant operations and logistics teams. You will be responsible for sourcing a diverse range of chemical products, negotiating favorable terms, and fostering strong relationships with key suppliers. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced buyer to make a significant contribution within a vital sector of the South African economy, working closely with production and quality assurance departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and procure chemical raw materials, reagents, and processing aids according to specifications and demand forecasts.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules with chemical suppliers to achieve cost savings and ensure timely supply.
• Manage supplier relationships, conduct performance reviews, and resolve any supply chain issues.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, including purchase orders, contracts, and inventory data.
• Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to ensure all procured chemicals meet stringent quality and safety standards.
• Work closely with production and maintenance departments to anticipate and meet material requirements.
• Monitor market trends for chemical commodities and identify potential supply disruptions or cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations related to chemical procurement and handling.
• Assist in inventory management and forecasting for chemical stock levels.
• Process purchase requisitions and convert them into purchase orders efficiently.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in procurement, specifically within the chemical or petrochemical industry.
• Solid understanding of chemical properties, safety regulations (e.g., HAZMAT), and industry standards.
• Proven negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and procurement software.
• Strong understanding of supply chain principles and logistics, particularly for hazardous materials.
• Ability to work effectively on-site in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Good analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• A proactive approach to identifying and mitigating supply chain risks.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package aligned with industry standards.
• Contribution to medical aid and retirement funds.
• Opportunities for training and professional development within the chemical procurement field.
• Stable employment with a reputable company in a critical industry.
• Close-knit team environment and supportive management.
• Access to specialized chemical industry knowledge and networks.