Buyer - Procurement

ECN; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

ECN is seeking an experienced Buyer to join our Procurement team. This role focuses on sourcing electronic components and technical materials for engineering and production, ensuring timely, cost‑effective supply and high quality.

You will work closely with Engineering, Project Management, Suppliers, and Manufacturing to manage requirements, negotiate terms, and optimize procurement processes. A strong background in electronics, 5 years procurement experience, and excellent communication are

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification or equivalent technical industry experience.
• Formal qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' procurement experience within a technical, engineering, electronics, or manufacturing environment.
• Sound understanding of electronic components and technical specifications.
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, designers, and technical stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and administrative competence.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Determine component requirements from MRP systems and engineering parts lists.
• Source electronic components and obtain competitive quotations from suppliers.
• Evaluate component availability, pricing, lead times, and associated supply risks.
• Identify component obsolescence and last-buy requirements and work with engineering teams to identify suitable alternatives.
• Negotiate pricing, MOQs, delivery schedules, and contractual terms.
• Create and manage purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and related procurement documentation.
• Process purchase orders in SYSPRO and ensure required approvals are obtained.
• Monitor and expedite supplier deliveries to meet project deadlines.
• Communicate delivery schedules, delays, and material availability to relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor cost fluctuations, exchange rate impacts, and implement purchasing adjustments where required.
• Resolve supplier, stock, and delivery discrepancies.
• Coordinate with PCB assembly subcontractors regarding populated PCB requirements and deliveries.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement and materials management processes.
• Perform general procurement administration and reporting duties.

Skills

Procurement experience

Negotiation

Supplier relationship mgmt

Communication

Attention to detail

Time management

Electronic components knowledge

Education

Tertiary qualification

Procurement / SCM qualification

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Buyer to join our Procurement team. This role is responsible for sourcing and procuring electronic components and technical materials required for engineering and production activities. The successful candidate will work closely with Engineering, Project Management, Suppliers, and Manufacturing teams to ensure the timely and cost-effective supply of materials while maintaining the highest standards of quality and accuracy

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Determine component requirements from MRP systems and engineering parts lists.
• Source electronic components and obtain competitive quotations from suppliers.
• Evaluate component availability, pricing, lead times, and associated supply risks.
• Identify component obsolescence and "last-buy" requirements and work with engineering teams to identify suitable alternatives.
• Negotiate pricing, minimum order quantities (MOQs), delivery schedules, and contractual terms.
• Create and manage purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and related procurement documentation.
• Process purchase orders in SYSPRO and ensure required approvals are obtained.
• Monitor and expedite supplier deliveries to meet project deadlines.
• Communicate delivery schedules, delays, and material availability to relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor cost fluctuations, exchange rate impacts, and implement purchasing adjustments where required.
• Resolve supplier, stock, and delivery discrepancies.
• Coordinate with PCB assembly subcontractors regarding populated PCB requirements and deliveries.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement and materials management processes.
• Perform general procurement administration and reporting duties.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Tertiary qualification or equivalent technical industry experience.
• Formal qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' procurement experience within a technical, engineering, electronics, or manufacturing environment.
• Sound understanding of electronic components and technical specifications.
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, designers, and technical stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and administrative competence.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Procurement and Supply Chain Management.
• Electronic Components and Technical Sourcing.
• Supplier Relationship Management.
• Analytical Thinking.
• Problem Solving and Decision Making.
• Attention to Detail.
• Planning and Organising.
• Results Orientation.
• Accountability and Ownership.
• Adaptability and Resilience.
• Initiative and Proactivity.
• Integrity and Ethical Conduct.
• Customer and Stakeholder Focus.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Tertiary qualification or equivalent technical industry experience.
• Formal qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' procurement experience within a technical, engineering, electronics, or manufacturing environment.
• Sound understanding of electronic components and technical specifications.
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, designers, and technical stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and administrative competence.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.