Lead Buyer - Electronics

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Leave allowances

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks an experienced Lead Buyer for electronics components to lead end-to-end sourcing for product development and manufacturing.

You will develop strategies, manage supplier relationships, and negotiate favorable terms while ensuring compliance and optimizing inventory and cost in a dynamic electronics environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of purchasing experience with a focus on electronics components.
• Proven track record sourcing from global electronics suppliers (Asia, Europe, North America).
• Strong negotiation skills and complex contract management.
• Knowledge of electronics supply chain, component types, and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies for electronic components.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers ensuring quality, cost, and delivery.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to achieve cost savings and secure supply.
• Manage ongoing supplier relationships, performance monitoring, and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Product Development to understand technical specs and future needs.
• Monitor industry trends and market conditions to anticipate changes and risks.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and company policies in procurement.
• Manage inventory levels of critical components to prevent stockouts and reduce carrying costs.
• Provide regular reports on sourcing activities, cost savings, and supplier performance.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier management

Negotiation

Electronics components

ERP software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ERP software

Procurement tools

Forecasting tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent technology solutions provider, is actively seeking an experienced Lead Buyer specializing in electronics components to join their procurement team in Cape Town . This critical role involves the end-to-end management of sourcing and purchasing electronic parts and materials necessary for product development and manufacturing. The Lead Buyer will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring the timely and cost-effective delivery of high-quality electronic components. This position requires a deep understanding of the electronics market, supply chain dynamics, and negotiation tactics. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in maintaining our client's competitive edge by optimizing their supply chain for electronic goods. We are looking for a motivated individual who can drive innovation and efficiency within the purchasing function. This role is based at our Cape Town headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies for electronic components, including semiconductors, PCBs, passive components, and assembly services.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers for electronic parts, ensuring they meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with electronic component manufacturers and distributors to achieve cost savings and secure supply.
• Manage ongoing supplier relationships, including performance monitoring, issue resolution, and fostering collaborative partnerships.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Product Development teams to understand technical specifications and future component needs.
• Monitor industry trends, market conditions, and technological advancements in the electronics sector to anticipate changes and risks.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and company policies regarding procurement and component sourcing.
• Manage inventory levels of critical electronic components to prevent stockouts and minimize carrying costs.
• Provide regular reports on sourcing activities, cost savings, supplier performance, and market insights to management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in purchasing or procurement, with a strong specialization in electronic components.
• Demonstrated expertise in sourcing from global electronics suppliers (Asia, Europe, North America).
• Proven negotiation skills and experience in managing complex supply agreements.
• In-depth knowledge of the electronics supply chain, component types, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with electronics industry standards and compliance requirements (e.g., RoHS, REACH).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with suppliers and internal teams.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and procurement software.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a base salary, potential performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits plan. Employees benefit from medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and generous leave allowances. Opportunities for professional development, attending industry conferences, and career advancement are available. This role is integral to our operations and offers the chance to work with cutting-edge technology in a vibrant city.