Senior Buyer - Indirect Materials

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 750,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

PTO & holidays

Professional development

Hybrid work

Employee discounts

Culture & events

Modern offices

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a leading retail and distribution company in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, to recruit a Senior Buyer for indirect materials. The role focuses on strategic sourcing, negotiation, and contract management to optimize costs and supplier performance.

The position is hybrid, blending in-office collaboration with some remote work, and offers career growth within a growing organization. The successful candidate will manage category strategies and supplier relationships to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in SCM, Business Admin, Finance, or related field.
• At least 5 years of procurement experience with indirect materials.
• Proven negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship skills.
• Strong analytical skills for spend analysis and data interpretation.
• Knowledge of procurement processes and best practices for indirect spend.
• ERP systems and e-procurement experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for indirect spend.
• Lead RFx processes, supplier selection, and negotiations for indirect goods and services.
• Manage supplier relationships and contract compliance.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvements.
• Collaborate with IT, HR, Facilities to meet procurement needs.
• Monitor market trends and supplier landscapes for indirect materials and services.
• Ensure compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze spend data and report on savings achieved.
• Support procurement best practices and PO lifecycle management.

Skills

Negotiation

Contract management

Supplier relationship mgmt

Spend analysis

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in SCM/Business/Finance

Tools

ERP systems

e-procurement tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading retail and distribution company, is looking for an experienced Senior Buyer specializing in indirect materials to join their team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This role is responsible for the strategic sourcing and procurement of all indirect spend, including services, IT equipment, facilities management, and professional services. The Senior Buyer will play a crucial role in optimizing costs, improving supplier performance, and ensuring the timely availability of essential non-production items. This hybrid position allows for a blend of in-office strategic planning and team collaboration with the flexibility of some remote work. You will be instrumental in driving value through effective negotiation and contract management, fostering strong relationships with a diverse supplier base. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned buyer to make a significant impact within a reputable organization and contribute to its operational efficiency. The focus will be on building robust procurement processes that support the company's strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for indirect spend to achieve cost savings and enhance value.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, including RFx processes, supplier selection, and negotiation for indirect goods and services.
• Manage existing supplier relationships, conduct performance reviews, and ensure contract compliance.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and supplier consolidation within indirect categories.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across various departments (e.g., IT, HR, Facilities) to understand their procurement needs and deliver effective solutions.
• Monitor market trends and supplier landscapes for indirect materials and services.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze spend data and prepare reports on key procurement metrics and savings achieved.
• Support the development and implementation of procurement best practices.
• Manage purchase order creation and lifecycle for assigned indirect categories.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, with a strong focus on sourcing indirect materials and services.
• Proven track record in negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management.
• Excellent analytical skills with proficiency in spend analysis and data interpretation.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes and best practices for indirect spend.
• Experience with ERP systems and e-procurement tools is preferred.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at various levels.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proactive and results-oriented with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of commercial law related to procurement is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance package (medical, dental, vision).
• Retirement savings plan options.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications.
• Hybrid work arrangement balancing office and remote work.
• Employee discount programs on company products.
• Access to a vibrant company culture and team events.
• Modern office facilities.
• Career growth opportunities within a growing organization.