Senior Buyer - Raw Materials

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health & life insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to manage procurement of raw materials in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will source, negotiate, and secure high-quality inputs to ensure uninterrupted production, while leading strategic sourcing and supplier relationships.

Ideal candidates will have 6+ years in chemical procurement, strong negotiation skills, and deep knowledge of raw material markets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• 6+ years in procurement, sourcing raw materials in manufacturing/chemical industry.
• Proven negotiation and supplier management track record.
• In-depth knowledge of raw material markets and chemical supply chains.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in procurement software, ERP systems, and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for key raw material categories.
• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, and delivery.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers to achieve cost savings.
• Manage and foster long-term relationships with key raw material suppliers.
• Analyze market trends, commodity prices, and economic factors affecting costs.
• Collaborate with production, R&D, and other departments to forecast needs.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety regulations, and industry standards.
• Manage inventory levels of raw materials to optimize working capital.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost reductions.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Procurement experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

ERP systems

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the chemical manufacturing industry, is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to manage the procurement of raw materials in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This critical role will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and securing high-quality raw materials at competitive prices, ensuring an uninterrupted supply chain for production. The Senior Buyer will play a key role in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and cost optimization. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned procurement professional to make a significant impact within a major industrial hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for key raw material categories.
• Identify, evaluate, and select reliable suppliers based on quality, cost, and delivery performance.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers to achieve cost savings and ensure supply continuity.
• Manage and foster strong, long-term relationships with key raw material suppliers.
• Analyze market trends, commodity prices, and economic factors affecting raw material costs.
• Collaborate with production, R&D, and other departments to forecast material needs and ensure alignment.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety regulations, and industry standards.
• Manage inventory levels of raw materials to optimize working capital.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost reductions within the procurement function.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in procurement, specifically sourcing raw materials in a manufacturing or chemical industry context.
• Proven track record of successful negotiation and supplier management.
• In-depth knowledge of raw material markets and supply chain dynamics in the chemical sector.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in procurement software, ERP systems, and MS Office Suite.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding industrial environment in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, disability, and life insurance.
• Retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and industry certifications.
• Be part of a leading company in the Richards Bay industrial area.