Head of Buying

NM Staffing Solutions (Pty)Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A client in the automotive industry in Sandton is seeking a Buyer to manage vehicle procurement. The role requires a strong background in buying within a motor dealership and excellent negotiation skills. Responsibilities include achieving sales targets, conducting vehicle appraisals, and maintaining vendor relationships. The ideal candidate should have at least 2 years of relevant experience and a passion for motor vehicles.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 required.
• At least 2 years of experience in vehicle buying.
• Proven track record with Buying and Selling in a motor dealership.

Responsibilities

• Achieve volume and margin targets monthly and annually.
• Buy cars, conduct onsite inspections, and evaluate vehicles.
• Build and maintain relationships with dealerships and wholesalers.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Passion for motor vehicles

Ability to identify paintwork and accident damage visually

Knowledge of industry trends and popular models

Understanding of vehicle finance processes

Relationship-building skills

Customer service skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Grade 12

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

Job description

Our client in the Automotive Industry, Sandton, is looking for a Buyer in Sandton.

Minimum Qualification :

• Grade 12
• A proven track record with Buying and Selling in a motor dealership
• Utilizing technology to effectively drive the buying function
• Industry legislative requirements

Experience :

At least 2 years of experience with buying vehicles in a used car environment.

Critical on the Job Skills Synopsis :

• Excellent Negotiation skills
• Passion for motor vehicles
• Ability to identify paintwork and accident damage visually
• Knowledge of industry trends and popular models
• High understanding of vehicle finance processes
• Superior relationship-building skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Transparency and honesty
• Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines
• Problem-solving skills

Digital Literacy :

• Experience with online auctions
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Experience with industry-related platforms
• Familiarity with social media, websites, and digital platforms

Key Areas of Responsibility :

• Buying cars – 60%
• Accurate vehicle appraisals and stock reconciliation – 30%
• Wholesaling cars – 10%

Key Responsibilities :

• Achieve volume and margin targets monthly, quarterly, and annually
• Build and maintain relationships with dealerships, wholesalers, auctions, and online platforms to ensure a steady pipeline of cars
• Monitor market trends across geographic areas
• Develop effective relationships with purchasing venues for efficient inventory procurement
• Identify and purchase vehicles approved by the sales team
• Ensure vehicles are purchased in good condition at appropriate prices
• Coordinate with stock controllers and marketing to ensure accurate vehicle listings
• Shift procurement focus from wholesale suppliers to direct purchasing to reduce middlemen impact

Accurate Car Appraisals & Stock Recon :

• Conduct proper onsite inspections to evaluate vehicles and prevent financial losses
• Negotiate prices, assess vehicle condition, and ensure timely purchase processing
• If vehicles do not meet standards within 48 hours, they must be returned, unless overridden by the buyer with proper documentation
• Verify specifications, year, model, and values against seller information
• Compare prices using Auto Trader and other sources before purchase
• Ensure purchase prices match vehicle descriptions and address discrepancies with suppliers
• Maintain detailed records of problem vehicles, including descriptions, year, model, and service history