Strategic Buyer

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Strategic Buyer in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This hybrid role supports procurement strategies and supplier management to optimize costs and ensure supply continuity.

The candidate should have 5+ years in strategic procurement within manufacturing, strong negotiation, ERP skills, and a collaborative mindset to work across engineering, production, and quality teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in SCM, business admin, engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in a strategic procurement or buyer role, preferably in manufacturing.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship skills.
• Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Hybrid work model experience preferred.
• Detail-oriented with focus on accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for direct and indirect spend.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers with quality and pricing.
• Lead negotiations to secure favorable terms, pricing, and SLAs.
• Manage supplier performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality on material needs.
• Monitor market trends and supply chain risks to mitigate disruptions.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with policies and regulations.
• Analyze spend data to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Contribute to procurement best practices.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier relationship mgmt

Analytical skills

ERP proficiency

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's in Supply Chain Management

Bachelor's in Business Administration

Bachelor's in Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Strategic Buyer

Job Description

full-time

About the Role Our client, a leading industrial manufacturing firm, is seeking an experienced and proactive Strategic Buyer to join their procurement department in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is crucial for developing and executing effective purchasing strategies to support the company's production needs and overall business objectives. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of market dynamics, excellent negotiation skills, and a proven ability to build and maintain robust supplier relationships. This hybrid position offers the flexibility to work both remotely and from our state-of-the-art facility in Richards Bay , allowing for a balanced and productive work life. We are looking for a results-oriented individual who can contribute significantly to cost savings and supply chain optimization. This is a key role within a company committed to excellence and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for key direct and indirect spend areas.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers, ensuring quality, reliability, and competitive pricing.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms, pricing, and service level agreements.
• Manage supplier performance, conduct regular reviews, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, production, and quality departments to ensure alignment on material requirements and specifications.
• Monitor market trends, commodity prices, and supply chain risks to proactively mitigate disruptions.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze spend data to identify opportunities for cost reduction and process optimization.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of procurement best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a strategic procurement or buyer role, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success in negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in using procurement software and ERP systems.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work model.
• Familiarity with commodity markets and global sourcing practices is a plus.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and quality.

Benefits Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement savings plans, and paid time off. Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the procurement function are readily available. This role is situated in the industrial hub of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , providing a dynamic work environment.