Senior Buyer - Raw Materials

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career development

International travel

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Buyer for Randburg to lead procurement of raw materials for chemical manufacturing, developing sourcing strategies and ensuring quality, price, and on-time delivery to support production schedules.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in raw materials procurement, deep knowledge of chemical markets, and strong negotiation skills, with proven ability to manage complex supply chains and ERP proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in SCM or related field is required.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in purchasing and procurement, with raw materials focus.
• Demonstrated expertise in sourcing, negotiating, and managing contracts for complex raw materials.
• In-depth knowledge of chemical markets, industry standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret market data and financial information.
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in procurement software, ERP systems, and advanced Excel functions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a demanding environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for key raw material categories.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers for raw materials, ensuring quality and reliability.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure competitive pricing, favourable terms, and consistent supply agreements.
• Monitor global and local raw material markets, including pricing trends, supply/demand dynamics, and geopolitical factors.
• Manage and nurture strategic supplier relationships to foster collaboration and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with the production, R&D, and quality assurance departments to understand material specifications and requirements.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies for critical raw material supply chains.
• Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company policies, ethical standards, and relevant regulations.
• Track supplier performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier management

Contract management

Analytical skills

ERP systems

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading chemical manufacturing company in **Randburg, Gauteng**, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Buyer to focus on the procurement of raw materials. This pivotal role is responsible for developing and implementing effective sourcing strategies for all raw materials, ensuring optimal quality, competitive pricing, and timely delivery to support production schedules. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of chemical markets, strong negotiation skills, and a proven ability to manage complex supply chains. This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to significantly impact the company's profitability and operational efficiency within the **Gauteng** industrial sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for key raw material categories.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers for raw materials, ensuring quality and reliability.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure competitive pricing, favourable terms, and consistent supply agreements.
• Monitor global and local raw material markets, including pricing trends, supply/demand dynamics, and geopolitical factors.
• Manage and nurture strategic supplier relationships to foster collaboration and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with the production, R&D, and quality assurance departments to understand material specifications and requirements.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies for critical raw material supply chains.
• Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company policies, ethical standards, and relevant regulations.
• Track supplier performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in purchasing and procurement, with a significant focus on raw materials, preferably in the chemical or manufacturing industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in sourcing, negotiating, and managing contracts for complex raw materials.
• In-depth knowledge of chemical markets, industry standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data and financial information.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in procurement software, ERP systems, and advanced Excel functions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a demanding environment.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to **Randburg, Gauteng**.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Comprehensive medical aid, dental coverage, and a generous retirement fund.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• A dynamic and technically advanced work environment in **Randburg**.
• Annual performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Paid annual leave and public holidays.
• Potential for international travel for supplier engagement.