Construction & Building Supplies Buyer

Express Employment Professionals Midrand; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 520,000 - 860,000; Full time

Job summary

Express Employment Professionals Midrand is seeking an experienced Procurement Manager to lead strategies for a steady supply of high-quality building materials. You will manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and drive cost efficiency across the organization.

The role requires strong negotiation and analytical skills, proficiency with procurement software and MS Office, and a deep understanding of the building supplies market.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a procurement role, preferably within the building supplies or construction industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality building materials at competitive prices.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with suppliers. Negotiate contracts and terms to secure the best deals.
• Conduct market research to stay informed about industry trends, pricing, and new products.
• Monitor inventory levels to ensure optimal stock levels and coordinate with warehouse/logistics teams.
• Manage budgets and drive cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Ensure all purchased products meet quality standards and address supplier issues promptly.
• Collaborate with associated companies to understand their needs and ensure timely delivery.
• Coordinate with sales, operations, and finance to align procurement with business goals.
• Prepare and present reports on procurement activities, supplier performance, and market conditions.
• Guide and mentor junior buyers to align efforts with procurement objectives.
• Lead process improvements including product/merchandise reviews and supplier evaluations.
• Open-to-Buy (OTB) budgeting and planning in collaboration with internal teams.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Procurement software

Microsoft Office

Building supplies market knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Responsibilities

• Procurement Strategy: Develop and implement procurement strategies to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality building materials at competitive prices.
• Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with suppliers. Negotiate contracts and terms to secure the best deals.
• Market Analysis: Conduct market research to stay informed about industry trends, pricing, and new products. Use this information to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels to ensure optimal stock levels. Work closely with the warehouse and logistics teams to manage stock flow.
• Cost Control: Manage budgets and ensure cost-effective purchasing practices. Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure all purchased products meet the company’s quality standards. Address any issues with suppliers promptly.
• Understanding Needs: Work closely with our associated companies to understand their specific needs, ensuring they receive the right products, at the right time, and in the right place.
• Team Collaboration: Collaborate with other departments, including sales, operations, and finance, to align procurement activities with business goals.
• Reporting: Prepare and present regular reports on procurement activities, supplier performance, and market conditions to senior management.
• Team Development: Guide and develop junior buyers, providing mentorship and support to enhance their skills and align their efforts with procurement objectives.
• Process Improvement: Formalise and oversee a process for periodic product/merchandise range and supplier reviews to ensure alignment with market trends and business needs.
• Open-to-Buy Management: Monitor and manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) budgets to align purchasing decisions with financial and inventory goals. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure proper OTB planning and execution.

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a procurement role, preferably within the building supplies or construction industry.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

Skills

• Core Competencies: Strong negotiation, communication, and analytical skills. Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the building supplies market and industry trends.
• Attributes: Strategic thinker, detail-oriented, and able to work under pressure. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions quickly.