Buyer - Indirect Services

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

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Buyer in Polokwane to manage the procurement of indirect services, including IT solutions, consulting, travel management, marketing, and facilities management.

You will identify supplier needs, conduct market analysis, manage tenders, and negotiate contracts to ensure cost-effectiveness and value for money, while building strong relationships with service providers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Law, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in procurement with a focus on indirect services.
• Experience managing tender processes and negotiating complex service contracts.
• Understanding of legal aspects of service contracts and SLAs.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and experience with e-procurement systems.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement for indirect services.
• Conduct market research on service provider landscapes and suppliers.
• Develop tender documents (RFPs/RFQs) and oversee evaluation/selection.
• Lead negotiations to secure favorable terms, pricing, and SLAs.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with policies, ethics, and regulations.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders to understand service needs.
• Monitor performance of providers against contracts and KPIs.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities in indirect categories.
• Maintain procurement records and generate spend/savings reports.
• Proactively manage risks in service procurement.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelors in SCM

Tools

MS Office

E-procurement systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a large-scale infrastructure development company operating in Polokwane, is looking for an experienced Buyer to manage the procurement of indirect services. This vital role will focus on acquiring essential services such as IT solutions, professional consulting, travel management, marketing, and facilities management. You will be responsible for identifying supplier needs, conducting market analysis, managing tender processes, and negotiating contracts to ensure cost-effectiveness and value for money. The ideal candidate possesses strong negotiation skills, a deep understanding of service procurement, and the ability to build productive relationships with a diverse range of service providers. This position offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to the operational success of a major infrastructure firm in the Limpopo region.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end procurement process for a variety of indirect services.
• Conduct market research to understand service provider landscapes and identify potential suppliers.
• Develop tender documents (RFPs/RFQs) and manage the evaluation and selection process.
• Lead negotiations with service providers to secure favorable terms, pricing, and service level agreements (SLAs).
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders to understand their service requirements.
• Monitor the performance of service providers against contractual obligations and KPIs.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and service improvements within indirect categories.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and generate comprehensive reports on spend, savings, and supplier performance.
• Proactively manage risks associated with service procurement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Law, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in procurement, with a strong focus on indirect services.
• Proven experience in managing tender processes and negotiating complex service contracts.
• Understanding of legal aspects of service contracts and SLAs.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and experience with e-procurement systems.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal departments and external suppliers.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Familiarity with the infrastructure or construction industry is a plus.
• Professional procurement certification (e.g., CIPS) is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical and pension benefits, and annual performance incentives. The company provides ample opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement within a growing organization. Join a dynamic team in Polokwane and play a key role in ensuring the efficient procurement of essential services for a leading infrastructure development firm.