Buyer - Waste to Energy, Biomass and Boiler Energy

Stratostaff; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in renewable energy is seeking a Buyer to manage the procurement of materials and services for waste-to-energy and biomass projects. This role is crucial in ensuring cost-effective and timely procurement while maintaining high-quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in procurement, particularly in engineering, and possess strong negotiation and contract management skills. Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to sustainability and innovation, where your contributions will directly impact the efficiency and success of critical projects in the renewable energy sector.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement, ideally in engineering or related fields.
• Understanding of boiler components and waste-to-energy technologies preferred.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for strategic and tactical procurement for engineering projects.
• Ensure cost-effective procurement and timely delivery of materials.

Skills

Negotiation Skills

Contract Management

Inventory Control

Cost Analysis

Education

Grade 12 / Matric / NQF4

Degree/Diploma in Supply Chain Management

Degree/Diploma in Engineering

Degree/Diploma in Procurement

Degree/Diploma in Business

Tools

ERP Systems (SAP, Odoo)

Procurement Software

Job description

Our client is a heating solutions company using renewable energy sources to produce process heat (hot air, hot water, steam, thermal oil). They work closely with clients to help them reduce their heating costs as well as their carbon footprint and, by doing so, become more sustainable and profitable. They are specialists in producing heat/steam from biomass furnaces. They use top-of-the-range technologies and have their own chipping facilities.

Purpose of the Role:

The Buyer is responsible for the strategic and tactical procurement of materials, equipment, and services required for waste-to-energy, biomass-to-steam, boiler fabrication, and engineering plant projects. The role ensures cost-effective, high-quality, and timely procurement to support the company’s operations, projects, and its timelines, and strategic objectives.

Role: Buyer - Waste-to-Energy, Biomass, and Boiler Engineering
Industry: Renewable Energy
Location: Eastern Cape / Western Cape

Qualifications and Skills:

• Must have Grade 12, Matric or NQF4 equivalent qualification.
• Must have a clear criminal record.
• Education: Degree/Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Procurement, or Business.
• Proven experience in procurement, ideally in engineering or related fields.
• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of boiler components, steam systems, biomass fuel specifications, and waste-to-energy technologies would be preferred.
• Skills: Strong negotiation, contract management, inventory control, and cost analysis capabilities.
• Software: Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Odoo, or similar) and procurement software.

Key Outputs & Performance Indicators:

• Cost-effective procurement of materials and services.
• Timely delivery of materials and equipment to support project schedules.
• Established and maintained strong supplier relationships.
• Accurate procurement records and documentation.
• Compliance with procurement policies and regulations.
• Procurement reports and analyses.
• Contribution to the projects budget objectives.
• Provide support in the selection of subcontractors and vendors.
• Expedite orders and resolve any procurement-related issues that may impact project timelines.

Compliance & Sustainability:

• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation.
• Prepare procurement reports and analyses.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with local and international environmental regulations.
• Source sustainable, low-carbon alternatives for biomass fuels and boiler materials.
• Work closely with EHS (Environmental, Health & Safety) teams to meet compliance standards.

Cost Control & Budget Management:

• Negotiate favourable pricing and terms with suppliers to minimize procurement costs.
• Conduct cost analysis and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Monitor market trends and commodity prices to ensure competitive pricing.
• Ensure procurement aligns with project budgets and cost-reduction strategies.
• Track and analyze procurement costs, material consumption, and financial efficiency.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities in sourcing, logistics, and material substitutions.

Inventory & Logistics Coordination:

• Manage inventory levels to ensure adequate supply while minimizing carrying costs.
• Coordinate with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure efficient material handling.
• Implement inventory control measures and procedures.
• Ensure timely delivery of materials to prevent delays in fabrication and plant operations.
• Optimize inventory levels for biomass, boiler parts, valves, and fabrication materials.
• Coordinate with logistics partners to streamline the transport of heavy equipment and bulk materials.
• Work with engineering and operations teams to forecast material needs.

Supplier & Vendor Management:

• Evaluate supplier proposals, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to achieve cost savings and efficiency.
• Undertake supplier audits.
• Develop and maintain a supplier network for waste-to-energy technology, combustion systems, and biomass handling equipment.

Procurement & Sourcing:

• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with project requirements and company objectives.
• Prepare and issue requests for quotations (RFQs), requests for proposals (RFPs), and invitations to bid (ITBs).
• Process purchase orders and ensure timely delivery of materials and services.
• Identify and source raw materials, biomass fuel, boiler components, piping, and engineering equipment, feedstock (waste).
• Conduct RFQs (Request for Quotations) and RFPs (Request for Proposals) to secure competitive pricing.
• Collaborate with teams internally to understand their needs.