Purchasing Manager - MRO Supplies

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Profit-sharing

Executive medical coverage

Retirement plan

Global career growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager for MRO procurement in Sandton, Gauteng. You will lead a procurement team, develop strategic sourcing for MRO items, and negotiate contracts to ensure cost efficiency and supply continuity.

Ideal candidates have a strong track record in indirect materials procurement, ERP proficiency, and superb leadership and negotiation skills to optimize our client’s MRO supply chain and drive value across maintenance and operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field required.
• Minimum 6 years in procurement with MRO/indirect materials.
• Experience leading a procurement team.
• Proven track record negotiating large MRO contracts.
• Strong inventory management and cost-saving focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the MRO procurement team.
• Develop strategic sourcing for MRO categories (spare parts, consumables, tools, safety equipment).
• Negotiate contracts and pricing with vendors to achieve cost savings.
• Maintain strong relationships with key MRO vendors for reliable supply.
• Oversee inventory management for MRO items and optimize stock levels.
• Enforce procurement policies and procedures for MRO procurement.
• Analyze spend data to identify trends and cost-reduction opportunities.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering and operations to meet needs.
• Monitor MRO market dynamics and supplier performance.
• Drive continuous improvement in the MRO procurement function.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

SAP

Oracle

MRO software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the industrial manufacturing sector, is actively seeking an experienced and strategic Purchasing Manager to lead their MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) supplies procurement function in Sandton, Gauteng . This vital role involves overseeing the sourcing, negotiation, and management of all MRO-related items, ensuring operational continuity and cost efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership abilities, a deep understanding of MRO markets, and a proven track record in optimizing supply chains for indirect materials. This is a significant opportunity to shape the procurement strategy for essential operational goods and contribute to the overall success of our client. We are looking for a seasoned professional to drive excellence in MRO procurement. This role is key to maintaining efficient production and facility operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the procurement team responsible for MRO supplies.
• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies for MRO categories, including spare parts, consumables, tools, and safety equipment.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with MRO suppliers to achieve significant cost savings and improve service levels.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key MRO vendors, ensuring reliable supply and high-quality products.
• Oversee inventory management for MRO items, optimizing stock levels to minimize costs while ensuring availability.
• Implement and enforce procurement policies and procedures for MRO procurement.
• Analyze MRO spend data to identify trends, opportunities for consolidation, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and operations departments to understand their MRO needs and ensure timely fulfillment.
• Monitor MRO market dynamics, supplier performance, and emerging technologies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the MRO procurement function.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in procurement, with a significant focus on MRO supplies and indirect materials.
• Proven experience in leading and managing a procurement team.
• Demonstrated success in negotiating large MRO contracts and driving cost savings.
• Strong understanding of inventory management principles.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and MRO procurement software.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Sandton, Gauteng .

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary package, along with significant performance-based bonuses and potential for profit-sharing.
• Comprehensive executive medical, dental, and vision coverage is provided, along with robust retirement fund contributions and life insurance.
• Opportunities for executive leadership development and global career advancement are substantial.
• The company provides a stimulating and collaborative work environment, with generous annual leave and flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.