Junior Buyer - Raw Materials

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Training and mentorship

Career advancement

Study leave

Industry workshops

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, is hiring a Junior Buyer - Raw Materials to join our growing procurement team. This entry-level role supports senior buyers in sourcing raw materials and ensuring timely deliveries for production.

You will gain hands-on experience with vendor communication, purchase orders, supplier records, and ERP systems, while building a solid foundation in procurement and supply chain management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in SCM or related field.
• 0–2 years in purchasing or procurement preferred.
• Foundational procurement principles and terminology.
• Proficient in Excel; ERP familiarity is a plus.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior buyers in sourcing and qualifying suppliers.
• Process requisitions and generate purchase orders in ERP.
• Communicate with suppliers to confirm orders and track deliveries.
• Maintain supplier records and pricing in the procurement database.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with production planning.
• Support negotiation by gathering quotations and market data.
• Assist in evaluating supplier performance and relationships.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies.
• Help manage procurement documents such as invoices and contracts.
• Participate in team meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Procurement principles

Organizational skills

Time management

Supplier communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree or National Diploma in SCM

Business Administration or Logistics (related)

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing manufacturer in the chemicals industry, is seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Junior Buyer - Raw Materials to join their procurement team in Pretoria, Gauteng . This entry-level position is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious individual looking to kickstart their career in purchasing and supply chain management. The Junior Buyer will support senior buyers in the sourcing and procurement of raw materials essential for production. Key responsibilities will include assisting with vendor communication, processing purchase orders, maintaining supplier records, and tracking deliveries. The role requires a foundational understanding of procurement processes, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to accuracy. You will gain valuable hands‑on experience in a critical function, contributing to the seamless flow of materials and supporting the operational efficiency of the manufacturing plant. This role offers significant learning potential and the chance to grow within a reputable organization in the bustling city of Pretoria . We are looking for a motivated individual eager to learn and contribute to the success of our client's procurement operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior buyers in sourcing and qualifying suppliers for various raw materials.
• Process purchase requisitions and generate purchase orders in the ERP system.
• Communicate with suppliers to confirm orders, track delivery schedules, and resolve any discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date supplier information and pricing in the procurement database.
• Monitor inventory levels and liaise with production planning to ensure timely material availability.
• Support the negotiation process by gathering quotations and market price information.
• Assist in evaluating supplier performance and contribute to supplier relationship management efforts.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
• Help in managing documentation related to procurement, such as invoices, delivery notes, and contracts.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement department.

Requirements

• A relevant Bachelor's degree or National Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field.
• Zero to two years of experience in a purchasing, procurement, or administrative support role is preferred, but not essential for highly motivated candidates.
• Strong understanding of basic procurement principles and terminology.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Familiarity with ERP systems is a plus.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with suppliers and internal teams.
• A proactive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• A strong desire to build a career in procurement and supply chain management.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive entry-level salary, along with comprehensive benefits including medical aid and a provident fund.
• This position provides excellent training and mentorship opportunities, paving the way for career advancement within the procurement field.
• The role is based in Pretoria, Gauteng , offering exposure to a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Employees benefit from a supportive team culture and the chance to contribute to significant operational projects.
• Additional benefits may include study leave and opportunities to attend relevant industry workshops.