Buying Officer

De Beers Group of Companies; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 50 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading diamond company in Cape Town seeks a Buying Officer to support the Technical Services Shutdown Unit. You will manage purchasing from requisition to pay, negotiate with suppliers, and ensure compliance with procurement policies. The ideal candidate has a relevant degree or diploma, SAP experience, and at least 3 years of purchasing experience, preferably in a mining or engineering environment. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to a dynamic team focused on delivering efficiency in a responsible manner.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in Purchasing, preferably in a mining/engineering environment.
• Relevant degree or diploma in Purchasing/Supply Chain Management.
• Experience with SAP ERP System is required.

Responsibilities

• Survey the market for the best source of supply and negotiate terms.
• Responsible for technical purchasing from requisition to pay.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies and procedures.

Skills

Knowledge of SAP ERP System

Negotiating and networking skills

Ability to analyse and interpret information

Good inter-personal skills

Supply Chain administration

Education

Relevant business/commercial degree or diploma in Purchasing / Supply Chain Management

A minimum of 3 years' experience Purchasing in a mining/engineering environment

Member of accredited purchasing body, Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

SAP ERP System

Job description

Company Description

De Beers Upstream Technology

Upstream Technology has operations in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa and is part of the De Beers Group. We deliver technical services and technology systems to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the De Beers Diamond value chain from exploration to diamond recovery. Activities include marine geophysical survey, sampling, mining, projects, engineering, technology development and maintenance. We provide specialized diamond processing and recovery technology for the De Beers Group Exploration and Mining Operations. We are the industry leader in marine mining practices resulting in the most successful and advanced marine mining equipment and operations globally.

Job Description

Reporting to the responsible Procurement Practitioner, the Buying Officer, as part of the DBM Supply Chain team, will be an integral support to the Technical Services Shutdown Unit, operating within the Port of Cape Town.

The main purpose of the role for the incumbent will be all purchasing requirements of the Technical Services Shutdown Unit and to support the Procurement function accordingly, from requisition to pay. This entails the purchasing of goods and/or capital equipment and services, sourcing of new vendors, benchmarking of pricing, management of commercial risk, maintaining adherence to policies and procedures, ensuring that value for money is maximized and cost savings are generated for the company.

The Duties will include the following:

• Survey the market for best source of supply, contact potential suppliers and negotiate trade terms and discount structures and most favourable lead times
• Evaluate quotes/tenders and make recommendations based on best commercial and technical factors
• Responsible for technical purchasing from requisition to pay and propose master contracts where required
• Minimise lead time variances according to customer requirements by administering the pre/post expediting process to ensure timely delivery of goods or services
• Suggest substitutes if items/services ordered are unavailable, or if a more economic product is technically suitable
• Ensure strict adherence to procurement policies and procedures as well as legislation in respect of importation of goods
• Prioritise urgent order requests
• Review price variances and ensure that they are investigated and brought to the attention of the responsible Procurement Practitioner and Supply Chain Manager and that SAP information is accurate
• Liaise with suppliers in respect of commercial and/or technical clarifications and queries
• Be required to align with the Shutdown working hours, which entails extended hours during vessel shutdowns.

Skills/Behaviour Competencies

• Knowledge of SAP ERP System
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Negotiating and networking skills
• Good inter-personal skills
• Ability to analyse and interpret information
• Strong on governance, policy & procedures
• Customer & service orientation
• Detailed orientation
• Technology driven
• Commercial acumen
• Supply Chain administration
• Ability to add value, reduce costs and make business improvements
• Ability to utilise latest technology in execution of daily duties

Qualifications

• Relevant business/commercial degree or diploma in Purchasing / Supply Chain Management is required.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience Purchasing in a mining/engineering environment is required.
• SAP ERP System experience and knowledge is required.
• Member of accredited purchasing body, Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) would be advantageous.

Additional Information

De Beers Group is a company with a sparkling future.

Our experts have searched the world for nature’s most precious gem. Our diamonds bring beauty to the world. But we think they can do so much more. We want our diamonds, and our business, to make life brilliant – for our people, our customers and the world around us.

Safety

Safety first is a way of life for us. We are unconditional about the safety, health and well-being of our colleagues, at work and at home, and about that of the communities where we work. We aim to lead the industry by investing in innovation to protect people, who are at the heart of our business. Our high performing teams take accountability for their own and others' actions, work collaboratively, and always show care and respect.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

As a global #HeForShe Thematic Champion, De Beers is committed to promoting an equitable, inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are. We provide equality of opportunity to enable everyone to fulfil their potential. Please inform us should there be any special requirements that should be considered as part of your application.

Building Forever

Sustainability is at the heart of our decision-making – it is how we do business. Building Forever is key to our purpose as it represents our ambitious and holistic sustainability framework and is central to our ability to deliver long-term value to our communities and partners. This shapes how we protect our social and environmental license to operate, build a long-term legacy in our host communities and earn consumers’ trust in our diamonds that they can wear with pride.

Background Checks

Successful candidates will be required to complete background screening which may include a criminal check and validation of qualifications.

Closing date: 05 February 2026

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