Buyer - Mechanical & Precision Engineering

The Key Recruitment Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading precision mechanical manufacturer near Cape Town is seeking a Buyer in Mechanical & Precision Engineering. The ideal candidate will have a background in mechanical engineering, 5+ years of procurement management experience, and proficiency with ERP systems. Key responsibilities include developing procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, and optimizing inventory levels. This role offers an opportunity to enhance cost-effectiveness and product quality in a competitive environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Procurement Management experience in a technical or mechanical environment.
• Mechanical engineering background with machinist experience preferred.
• Experience in Material Handling and Inventory Management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies to enhance cost-effectiveness and product quality.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier partnerships, negotiating terms to secure favourable pricing.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to prepare budgets and manage inventory levels.

Skills

Proficiency in English (written and verbal)

Strategic Procurement

Supplier Management

Inventory Management

Cost Management

Education

National Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics or a related field

Matric

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Power Point, MS Project)

ERP systems knowledge

Job description

BUYER – MECHANICAL & PRECISION ENGINEERING

Leader in the field of precision mechanical manufacturing seeks a Buyer (Mechanical & Precision Engineering) at their premises near Cape Town.

Educational and Experience requirements:

• Matric
• National Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics or a related field.
• Mechanical engineering background with machinist experience preferred.
• 5+ Years of Procurement Management experience in a technical or mechanical environment, preferably within the precision engineering industry.
• 5+ years of experience in Material Handling and Inventory Management.
• Proficiency in English (written and verbal)

Main Responsibilities (but not limited to these only)

Strategic Procurement and Sourcing

• Develop and implement procurement strategies to enhance cost-effectiveness, product quality, and supplier reliability.
• Source and qualify suppliers both locally and internationally, focusing on optimising cost and quality through alternative suppliers.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the entire procurement process, market trends, and best price practices to ensure the business remains competitive.
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes and recommend cost-saving initiatives.

Supplier and Contract Management

• Build and maintain strategic supplier partnerships, negotiating terms to secure favourable pricing, quality, alternative suppliers and service agreements.
• Conduct supplier audits and manage Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) to align supplier capabilities with business needs.
• Monitor and evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, service, reliability, and compliance, maintaining a detailed supplier database with segmentation, BBBEE compliance, and performance scores.

Inventory and Cost Management

• Collaborate with stakeholders to prepare budgets, including capital expenditure, operational expenses, and cost savings targets.
• Manage and optimise inventory levels by understanding minimum order quantities and safety stock levels to prevent stock-outs while maintaining efficient use of company resources.
• Work closely with the Finance team to control and monitor price variances and ensure alignment between budget and resource goals.

Process Improvement and Compliance

• Oversee and enhance administrative systems, including ERP, ensuring Master Data updates for optimal purchasing, stock management, and order processes.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies and government regulations, obtaining necessary authorisations and documentation for all purchases.
• Lead initiatives to improve operational effectiveness and propose methods for continuous process improvement.

Operational and Vendor Issue Resolution

• Expedite the delivery of materials to maintain production schedules and resolve any delivery or billing discrepancies.
• Address end-user concerns and handle claims or grievances against suppliers to maintain smooth operations.
• Support product specification development with departments and manage product and service appraisal processes.

Key Performance Indicators

• Inventory Control: Maintain inventory within budget parameters.
• Supplier Performance: Track and reduce supplier complaints (PPM), improve on-time delivery (OTIF)
• Operational Efficiency: Minimise downtime due to external material availability.
• Compliance and Quality: Promptly address deviations and non-conformance issues

KNOWLEDGE:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Power Point and MS Project).
• Knowledge of company ERP system and other company systems
• Knowledge and understanding of product manufactured and technologies employed
• Technical Knowledge of machinery, equipment, and materials.

Please apply online or contact David on 021 – 531 2015 for more information.