Buyer - Upholstery Manufacturing
Department - Procurement / Supply Chain
Reports to: Procurement Manager
Job Purpose
To ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of raw materials, timber , foam, fibre, recliner mechanisms, and services required for the manufacturing of upholstered furniture. The Buyer is responsible for purchasing raw materials and services, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring materials meet required quality and compliance standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement Planning:
- Forecast and plan material requirements based on production schedules.
- Ensure procurement aligns with production timelines to avoid delays.
- Sourcing & Supplier Management:
- Identify and evaluate new suppliers for foam, timber, board and services.
- Maintain relationships with existing suppliers, ensuring compliance with delivery and quality standards.
- Negotiate prices, lead times, and payment terms.
- Order Management:
- Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring accurate specifications.
- Track and expedite orders to ensure timely delivery.
- Resolve issues related to delays, shortages, or quality concerns.
- Quality Assurance:
- Collaborate with QA/production teams to ensure materials meet required standards.
- Handle returns or replacements for defective or non-compliant goods.
- Cost Management:
- Monitor market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Work with finance to align procurement costs with budgetary goals.
- Reporting & Administration:
- Maintain procurement records and reports.
- Analyse supplier performance metrics (delivery, price stability, quality).
- Qualifications & Experience:
Matric (required); Diploma or Degree in Procurement/Supply Chain Management (preferred).
Minimum 3-5 years of procurement experience, preferably in upholstery or furniture manufacturing.
Strong understanding of upholstery materials and manufacturing processes.
Experience With Procurement Software/ERP Systems(Syspro)Skills & Competencies
Negotiation and communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and organisational ability.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Knowledge of timber, board, foam grades, and recliner mechanisms
Analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Microsoft Excel proficiency.
Office-based with regular inter- departmental interaction.
May require occasional supplier site visits or trade show attendance.
Desired Skills
- Buying
- Manufacturing
- foam
- fibre
Desired Work Experience
Desired Qualification Level