Purchasing Manager (Raw Materials & Components)

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Annual leave

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead procurement of raw materials and components at our Polokwane hub. You will manage a dedicated team, develop strategic sourcing plans, and negotiate with domestic and international suppliers to ensure material availability and cost efficiency.

You will collaborate with R&D, production, and QA to meet material specs while driving KPI improvements in cost savings and supplier performance. A strong commodity market background is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years in purchasing/procurement with focus on raw materials and components.
• Experience leading a purchasing team and driving cost savings.
• Knowledge of commodity markets, global supply chains, and vendor management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing for materials and consumables.
• Lead and mentor a team of purchasing professionals.
• Identify and onboard new suppliers meeting quality, cost, delivery, and sustainability standards.
• Negotiate pricing, terms and contracts to secure savings and reliable supply.
• Manage relationships with existing suppliers and drive continuous improvement.
• Analyze raw material market trends and supply risks to inform decisions.
• Coordinate with R&D, production, and QA to align material specs and needs.
• Monitor KPIs like cost savings, supplier performance, and inventory turns.
• Ensure compliance with purchasing policies, ethics, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Team leadership

Supplier negotiation

Risk management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the agricultural technology sector, is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead their raw materials and components procurement division. This role is based at our operational hub in Polokwane and is essential for securing the vital inputs required for our advanced agricultural solutions. The Purchasing Manager will oversee a dedicated team, develop strategic sourcing plans, negotiate with domestic and international suppliers, and ensure the consistent availability of high-quality materials. This position demands a strong understanding of agricultural supply chains, commodity markets, and risk management strategies. You will be instrumental in optimizing procurement costs, enhancing supplier relationships, and contributing directly to the company's production efficiency and product quality. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned procurement professional to drive strategic initiatives and make a significant impact within a rapidly growing and essential industry, contributing from our Polokwane headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing strategies for raw materials, components, and consumables required for manufacturing and product development.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of purchasing professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers, ensuring they meet stringent quality, cost, delivery, and sustainability standards.
• Negotiate favorable pricing, terms, and contracts with key suppliers to achieve significant cost savings and secure supply chain reliability.
• Manage and nurture relationships with existing suppliers, fostering collaboration and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct thorough market analysis of raw material prices, global supply trends, and potential risks to inform procurement decisions.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, production, and quality control teams to ensure alignment on material specifications and supply needs.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the purchasing department, including cost savings, supplier performance, and inventory turns.
• Ensure compliance with all company purchasing policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in purchasing or procurement, with a strong focus on raw materials and components, preferably within the agricultural or manufacturing sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing a purchasing team.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful sourcing strategies and achieving substantial cost savings through negotiation.
• In-depth knowledge of commodity markets, global supply chains, and vendor management principles.
• Proficiency in using procurement software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced analytical tools.
• Excellent strategic thinking, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Agriculture, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience managing international suppliers and navigating global trade complexities is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and other statutory benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, including industry-specific training and certifications.
• Generous annual leave entitlement and paid public holidays.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment within a leading company in the agri-tech industry.
• Potential for career advancement into senior management roles.
• Company-provided resources and support to excel in the role.
• Based in a strategic operational location in Polokwane .