Purchasing Specialist

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 320,000 - 450,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Staff discounts

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, seeks a detail-oriented Purchasing Specialist to manage procurement of raw materials, components and services. You will identify qualified suppliers, negotiate pricing, and ensure timely deliveries to meet production schedules.

The role collaborates with engineering and production teams within a hybrid work model. The ideal candidate has 3+ years in purchasing, strong negotiation and analytical skills, and proficiency with ERP and MS Office.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years in purchasing or procurement.
• Solid understanding of the procurement process from requisition to payment.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and MS Office.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute daily purchasing activities including order placement and tracking.
• Source and evaluate potential suppliers based on quality, cost and delivery.
• Negotiate pricing and contract terms with suppliers.
• Maintain accurate records of POs, invoices, and supplier data.
• Collaborate with inventory management to optimize stock levels.

Skills

Purchasing experience

ERP proficiency

Negotiation skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Supply Chain qualification

Tools

ERP systems

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of specialized industrial equipment, is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Purchasing Specialist to join their operations based in George, Western Cape. This hybrid role offers the flexibility to work remotely for a portion of the week, combined with essential in-office collaboration. You will play a crucial role in managing the procurement of raw materials, components, and services necessary for production. This involves identifying qualified suppliers, negotiating competitive pricing, and ensuring timely delivery to meet production schedules. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the purchasing cycle, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to build rapport with both internal stakeholders and external vendors. You will be instrumental in optimizing inventory levels, controlling costs, and maintaining the quality standards expected by our customers. This position requires meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to efficiency. You will contribute directly to the smooth operation of the supply chain and the successful output of high-quality products. The company values innovation and continuous improvement, and this role is key to maintaining those standards. You will work closely with engineering and production teams to forecast needs and manage procurement accordingly. The hybrid model is designed to foster both focused individual work and vibrant team collaboration, ensuring the best of both worlds.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute daily purchasing activities, including order placement, expediting, and tracking.
• Source and evaluate potential suppliers based on quality, cost, reliability, and delivery performance.
• Negotiate with suppliers to obtain favorable pricing and contract terms.
• Maintain accurate records of all procurement activities, including purchase orders, invoices, and supplier information.
• Collaborate with the inventory management team to optimize stock levels and minimize carrying costs.
• Resolve any discrepancies or issues related to purchase orders, deliveries, or invoices.
• Assist in the development and implementation of purchasing policies and procedures.
• Monitor commodity markets and advise on potential price fluctuations or supply shortages.
• Support the purchasing manager in strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier performance reviews.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and ethical procurement practices.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a purchasing or procurement role.
• Solid understanding of the procurement process, from requisition to payment.
• Proficiency in using ERP systems and standard office software (e.g., MS Office Suite).
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience in the manufacturing or industrial sector is a plus.
• A relevant qualification in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field is advantageous.
• Familiarity with supplier evaluation and performance management techniques.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Staff discounts on company products.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Paid annual leave.