Senior Buyer - Automotive Components

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Leave allowances

Hybrid role

Job summary

Placements24 in East London, Eastern Cape, is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to oversee strategic procurement of automotive components. You will lead negotiations with global suppliers, develop sourcing strategies, and ensure uninterrupted flow of high-quality materials for production.

The role requires strong leadership, analytical thinking, and a track record in managing complex supply chains within the automotive sector.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• Proven track record in strategic sourcing and supplier management.
• Experience in automotive supply chains is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for automotive components.
• Lead negotiations with domestic and international suppliers for favorable pricing and terms.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance, and contracts to meet quality, delivery and cost targets.
• Analyze market trends and supplier capabilities for cost reduction opportunities.
• Oversee procurement from requisition to payment in compliance with policies.
• Collaborate with engineering and QA to define component specs and quality requirements.
• Mitigate supply chain risks through diversification and contingency planning.
• Mentor junior procurement team members.
• Prepare detailed reports on savings and market intelligence.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of procurement processes and systems.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier management

Leadership

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

SAP ERP

Microsoft Excel

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading automotive parts manufacturer based in East London, Eastern Cape , is looking for an experienced Senior Buyer to oversee the strategic procurement of automotive components. This pivotal role demands a professional with a proven track record in managing complex supply chains and driving cost efficiencies within the automotive sector. You will be responsible for leading negotiations with global suppliers, developing robust sourcing strategies, and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of high-quality materials essential for production. This position offers a significant opportunity to influence our client's procurement operations and contribute to their competitive edge in the market. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supplier relationship management and risk mitigation, ensuring our client maintains its reputation for excellence. The role involves close collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and logistics teams to align procurement activities with product development and production schedules.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for critical automotive components.
• Lead complex negotiations with domestic and international suppliers, securing favorable pricing and terms.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance, and contracts to ensure quality, delivery, and cost targets are met.
• Analyze market trends and supplier capabilities to identify opportunities for innovation and cost reduction.
• Oversee the procurement process from requisition to payment, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry standards.
• Collaborate with engineering and quality assurance teams to define component specifications and quality requirements.
• Mitigate supply chain risks through diversification and contingency planning.
• Mentor and guide junior members of the procurement team.
• Prepare detailed reports on procurement activities, savings achieved, and market intelligence.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement processes and systems.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in a senior purchasing or buyer role, specifically within the automotive industry.
• Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management.
• In-depth knowledge of automotive component specifications, manufacturing processes, and supply chains.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and market trends.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience working with suppliers in the Eastern Cape region and beyond.
• Ability to manage cross-functional projects and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Benefits

Our client provides a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package. This includes medical aid, a retirement fund, and generous leave allowances. You will have access to ongoing professional development opportunities and the chance to work on challenging projects within a globally recognized automotive company. This hybrid role offers a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, supporting a productive work-life balance in East London .