Senior Buyer - Industrial Supplies

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Buyer based in Vereeniging, Gauteng, to manage procurement of industrial supplies, machinery and spare parts critical to manufacturing processes.

The role focuses on sourcing, contract negotiations, supplier performance, and cost-saving initiatives within a leading industrial organization. Strong negotiation and market analysis skills are required to ensure optimal inventory levels and continuity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Admin, Engineering or related field.
• 5–7 years of industrial procurement or strategic sourcing experience.
• Proven ability to negotiate large contracts and manage supplier relationships.
• Knowledge of industrial equipment, MRO supplies, and procurement software.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing and procurement of industrial supplies, equipment, and services in line with specs and quality standards.
• Negotiate and manage complex contracts to secure favorable terms and costs.
• Develop sourcing strategies to reduce costs and mitigate supply risks.
• Conduct market research on industrial commodities and supplier capabilities.
• Manage supplier relationships and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee PO creation, processing, and tracking for on-time delivery.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance and operations to align material needs.

Skills

Negotiation

Sourcing

Supplier management

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Supply Chain, Engineering or related

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major industrial player with significant operations in Vereeniging, Gauteng, is looking for a highly skilled Senior Buyer to join their established Purchasing department. This role is essential for managing the procurement of industrial supplies, machinery, and spare parts critical to our client's manufacturing processes. You will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating contracts, managing supplier performance, and identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in industrial procurement, strong negotiation acumen, and a thorough understanding of supply chain dynamics within this sector. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a substantial impact within a leading organization in Vereeniging. We are seeking an individual who can ensure the consistent and cost-effective supply of all industrial requirements, maintain optimal inventory levels, and foster strong relationships with key vendors. The role requires a proactive approach to market analysis and risk mitigation to ensure operational continuity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the sourcing and procurement of industrial supplies, equipment, and services, ensuring compliance with technical specifications and quality standards.
• Negotiate and manage complex contracts with key suppliers to achieve competitive pricing and favourable terms.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies to optimize costs, improve supplier performance, and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Conduct thorough market research and analysis on industrial commodities and supplier capabilities.
• Manage supplier relationships, conduct performance reviews, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee purchase order creation, processing, and tracking to ensure timely delivery.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams to understand their material needs and ensure procurement alignment.
• Monitor inventory levels and contribute to demand forecasting to prevent stockouts and reduce excess inventory.
• Ensure all procurement activities adhere to company policies, ethical standards, and safety regulations.
• Identify and implement innovative solutions to improve procurement efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of proven experience in industrial procurement or strategic sourcing, preferably within manufacturing or heavy industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in negotiating large-scale contracts and managing complex supplier relationships.
• In-depth knowledge of industrial equipment, materials, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) supplies.
• Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Understanding of relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits suite including medical aid, a provident fund, and substantial paid time off.
• Employees benefit from opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, supporting career advancement within the organization.
• The role is based in Vereeniging, providing a stable work environment within a key industrial hub.
• Our client fosters a culture of collaboration and professional excellence.
• Opportunities for challenging projects and leadership development are abundant.
• Company pension and medical aid schemes are provided, along with all statutory leave entitlements and benefits as per South African labour law.