Purchasing Officer - Engineering Components

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a dedicated Purchasing Officer to manage the acquisition of engineering components and raw materials. Based in Centurion but predominantly remote, you will source high-quality materials, negotiate with suppliers, and ensure timely delivery to support production timelines.

Key duties include managing POs, expediting orders, and maintaining supplier records. The role requires 3+ years in procurement, strong negotiation, and excellent communication in a remote work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in sourcing, procurement, supply chain, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years in purchasing/procurement, preferably in engineering/manufacturing.
• Proven negotiation skills with suppliers, and ability to manage contracts.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure engineering components, materials, and equipment per specs.
• Vet potential suppliers on quality, price, delivery, and reliability.
• Negotiate pricing and terms to secure favorable conditions.
• Generate and manage purchase orders; ensure accuracy and policy compliance.
• Monitor orders, expedite to meet project deadlines, track deliveries.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier data in the system.
• Collaborate with engineering/production teams on material needs and timelines.
• Research market trends and new sourcing opportunities for critical supplies.
• Develop and implement purchasing strategies to optimize costs and efficiency.
• Resolve discrepancies related to orders, deliveries, or supplier performance.

Skills

Negotiation

Organizational skills

Time management

Communication skills

Procurement software

Remote work management

Education

Relevant qualification in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field

Tools

Procurement software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding engineering firm specializing in industrial machinery, is looking for a dedicated Purchasing Officer to manage the acquisition of various engineering components and raw materials. This role is based in Centurion, Gauteng , but will be primarily remote, offering flexibility to candidates who excel in managing procurement processes independently. The Purchasing Officer will be responsible for sourcing high-quality materials, negotiating with suppliers, and ensuring timely delivery to support production and project timelines. Success in this role hinges on meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a proactive approach to procurement challenges within the engineering sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and procure a diverse range of engineering components, materials, and equipment according to specifications.
• Identify and vet potential suppliers, evaluating them based on quality, price, delivery capabilities, and reliability.
• Negotiate pricing and contract terms with suppliers to achieve cost savings and favourable conditions.
• Generate and manage purchase orders, ensuring all details are accurate and compliant with company policies.
• Monitor order fulfillment and delivery schedules, expediting when necessary to meet project deadlines.
• Maintain accurate records of all purchasing activities, supplier information, and inventory levels within the procurement system.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to understand their material requirements and timelines.
• Research market trends and new sourcing opportunities for critical engineering supplies.
• Assist in developing and implementing purchasing strategies to optimize costs and efficiency.
• Resolve any discrepancies or issues related to orders, deliveries, or supplier performance.

Requirements

• A relevant qualification in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in a purchasing or procurement role, preferably within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, essential for managing remote responsibilities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for clear interaction with suppliers and internal teams.
• Proficiency in using procurement software and standard office applications.
• Familiarity with engineering components and materials is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and manage a remote workload effectively.
• Knowledge of the South African supplier market is beneficial.
• A proactive and problem-solving attitude.

Benefits

This remote role offers the significant benefit of flexible working arrangements from anywhere in South Africa, with a focus on results and efficient communication. Our client provides a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development. Employees can expect a supportive virtual work environment and the chance to contribute to exciting engineering projects. The company values initiative and rewards performance, offering a dynamic career path within the growing engineering sector.