Purchasing Analyst - Cost Optimization

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Hybrid work model

Paid time off

Wellness program

Career development

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA seeks an analytical Purchasing Analyst to support procurement with data-driven insights and cost optimization.

You will collaborate with buyers and category managers to monitor supplier performance, analyze spend patterns, and inform negotiation strategies, driving value for the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field such as Finance, Admin, SCM or Economics.
• Minimum of 3 years in procurement or financial analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Excel (advanced), SQL and BI tools (Tableau/Power BI).
• Solid understanding of procurement processes and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Analyze procurement data to identify cost-saving opportunities and trends.
• Develop reports and dashboards to track procurement metrics and supplier performance.
• Support negotiations with data-backed insights.
• Conduct market research to inform sourcing strategies.
• Assist in developing procurement policies and procedures.
• Monitor supplier performance against KPIs and report findings.
• Identify process improvements within procurement.
• Maintain accurate data within procurement systems.
• Collaborate with finance and operations to align on cost targets.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Bachelor's degree in Economics

Tools

Excel (advanced)

SQL

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct , is seeking an analytical and detail-oriented Purchasing Analyst to join their team in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA . This role is critical for supporting the procurement department by providing data-driven insights, analyzing spending patterns, and identifying opportunities for cost optimization and efficiency improvements. You will work closely with buyers and category managers to support negotiation strategies and supplier performance monitoring. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in data analysis tools, and a solid understanding of procurement principles. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to strategic decision-making within a key operational function. We are looking for a proactive individual who can transform complex data into actionable recommendations and drive tangible value for the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze procurement data to identify cost-saving opportunities and trends across various spend categories.
• Develop reports and dashboards to track key procurement metrics, supplier performance, and spending patterns.
• Support buyers and category managers in preparing for negotiations with data-backed insights.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform sourcing strategies.
• Assist in the development and implementation of procurement policies and procedures.
• Monitor and report on supplier performance against agreed-upon KPIs.
• Identify and recommend process improvements within the procurement function.
• Maintain accurate and organized data within procurement systems.
• Collaborate with finance and operations teams to ensure alignment on cost targets and forecasting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in procurement analysis, financial analysis, or a related analytical role.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel (advanced), SQL, and ideally BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Understanding of procurement processes and terminology is essential.
• Excellent reporting and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong communication skills for effectively conveying insights to stakeholders.
• Experience working in the Free State region is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, with annual earnings typically ranging from ZAR , commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, a retirement savings plan, and opportunities for professional development through training and workshops.
• Our client fosters a positive and collaborative work culture, encouraging innovation and continuous learning.
• This role offers a hybrid work model, providing flexibility for employees in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA .
• Other advantages include generous paid time off, access to wellness programs, and clear pathways for career advancement within the company.