Strategic Buyer - Mining Supplies

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical coverage

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Strategic Buyer for a major mining client near Upington, Northern Cape. You will lead strategic sourcing of mining equipment, parts, explosives, chemicals and essential consumables, developing cost-saving supplier networks and resilient procurement plans.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in supply chain, engineering or business and has 8+ years in strategic procurement within mining or heavy industry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required.
• 8+ years in strategic procurement, preferably in mining or heavy industry.
• Experience sourcing complex mining equipment and special consumables.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for mining equipment, machinery parts, explosives, chemicals and consumables.
• Lead complex negotiations with national and international suppliers for favorable terms.
• Conduct market analysis to identify suppliers, risks and cost drivers.
• Manage supplier relationships to meet performance and safety standards.
• Oversee procurement lifecycle from tendering to delivery and contract management.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations and maintenance to align procurement with production timelines.
• Promote best practices to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental and regulatory standards.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and technology in procurement.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Contract management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or Business

Tools

SAP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining industry based near Upington, Northern Cape , is seeking a highly skilled Strategic Buyer. This critical role focuses on the procurement of specialized equipment, consumables, and services essential for mining operations. The Strategic Buyer will be instrumental in developing and executing sourcing strategies that optimize costs, ensure quality, and maintain supply chain resilience in a demanding sector. This position requires a robust understanding of mining supply chains, strong negotiation capabilities, and a commitment to operational excellence. The opportunity to work in the unique landscape of the Northern Cape near Upington is a key attraction.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for mining-specific equipment, machinery parts, explosives, chemicals, and operational consumables.
• Lead complex negotiations with national and international suppliers to secure competitive pricing and favorable contract terms.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis of the mining supply landscape, identifying key suppliers, risks, and cost drivers.
• Manage and foster strong relationships with critical suppliers, ensuring performance meets stringent operational requirements.
• Oversee the entire procurement lifecycle, from tendering and contract management to order fulfillment and delivery.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to ensure alignment of procurement activities with project timelines and production needs.
• Implement best practices in procurement and supply chain management to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards within the mining sector.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and technology adoption in supplier management and procurement processes.
• Mitigate supply chain risks through strategic supplier diversification and contingency planning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in strategic procurement, with a significant portion focused on the mining or heavy industrial sectors.
• Demonstrated expertise in sourcing complex technical equipment and specialized consumables.
• Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and contract management skills.
• Strong understanding of supply chain dynamics within the mining industry, including logistics and regulatory frameworks.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., "SAP") and procurement management software.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to travel to supplier sites and mine locations as required.
• Experience working in remote or challenging operational environments is advantageous.
• Based in or willing to relocate to the vicinity of Upington .

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including performance bonuses, comprehensive medical coverage, and an attractive retirement plan.
• Employees will have the opportunity to work on significant projects within a leading mining organization.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities are abundant.
• Working near Upington provides access to the unique natural beauty and tranquility of the Northern Cape .