Senior Building Materials Buyer & Supply Optimisation

Communicate Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Communicate Recruitment is seeking a procurement professional in Cape Town to manage stock levels, ensure availability of top-selling items, and plan seasonal and project-related needs. The role involves creating POs in the ERP, negotiating with suppliers, and driving cost efficiencies.

The ideal candidate has 3 years of buying experience in hardware/building materials, strong ERP and Excel capabilities, and excellent supplier management skills to optimise profitability and stock levels.

Qualifications

• 3 years' buying experience within building materials, hardware retail, construction products or wholesale distribution.
• Strong ERP experience (IQ Retail advantageous).
• Advanced Excel and analytical abilities.
• Excellent negotiation, planning, and supplier management skills.
• Strong commercial acumen with profitability and stock optimisation focus.
• Product knowledge across hardware, timber, plumbing, and building materials is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Monitor stock levels and replenishment requirements daily.
• Ensure top-selling products remain consistently available.
• Plan seasonal, promotional, and project-related stock requirements.
• Create and manage purchase orders through the ERP system.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and negotiate pricing and terms.
• Source and compare quotations for non-standard/high-value purchases.
• Follow up on outstanding purchase orders and resolve supply issues.
• Identify and maximise discounts, rebates, and promotional opportunities.
• Recommend clearance strategies, returns, or stock transfers.
• Resolve supplier discrepancies, shortages, and pricing issues.
• Support stock takes and variance investigations.

Skills

Buying experience

ERP IQ Retail

Advanced Excel

Negotiation

Planning

Supplier management

Commercial acumen

Hardware product knowledge

Education

B.Com Accounting (or similar)

Tools

IQ Retail

Job description

Communicate Recruitment is seeking a procurement professional in Cape Town to manage stock levels, ensure availability of top-selling items, and plan seasonal and project-related needs. The role involves creating POs in the ERP, negotiating with suppliers, and driving cost efficiencies.

The ideal candidate has 3 years of buying experience in hardware/building materials, strong ERP and Excel capabilities, and excellent supplier management skills to optimise profitability and stock levels.