Technical Buyer

The Recruiters; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is looking for a Technical Buyer in Johannesburg. The role involves procurement and expediting of materials, using Syspro ERP to manage stock. Candidates must have 5-10 years of experience in a technical buying role in a manufacturing or engineering environment and excellent negotiation skills. Requires a valid driver’s license and the ability to read technical drawings.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years experience in a technical buying role (manufacturing/engineering).
• Hands-on experience with Syspro ERP.
• Ability to read drawings and calculate raw material requirements.

Responsibilities

• Procure and expedite orders for materials.
• Liaise with suppliers to negotiate favorable terms.
• Manage stock control and Syspro adjustments.

Skills

Supplier negotiation

Stock management

Reading technical drawings

Interpersonal communication

Proficient in Syspro ERP

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Tools

Syspro ERP

Microsoft Office

Salesforce

Job description

Our client, who specializes in equipment and services for installing, maintaining, and inspecting railway tracks, including conventional, urban, and high-speed networks, is looking for a Technical Buyer to join their team.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Expediting

• Buy and expedite orders and jobs (internal and external).
• Generate and process import & local orders.
• Ensure timely material supply and delivery.
• Liaise with key suppliers, develop pricing strategies, and negotiate favorable terms.
• Research and obtain competitive prices for raw materials and bought in items.
• Support sales with product research and sourcing for customer requirements.
• Assist in pricing RFQ''s / tenders.

Production & Workshop Support

• Open and close works order jobs, including repairs.
• Validate accuracy of labor and material allocated to work orders.
• Liaise with the Workshop to ensure correct materials are procured on time.
• Assist with production load planning and expediting.
• Calculate raw material requirements from drawings and specifications.
• Participate in quality checks of incoming materials.
• Understand production workflows, bottlenecks, and material demands to align procurement accordingly.

Syspro & Systems Management

• Manage re-order proposals and Syspro stock adjustments.
• Ensure perpetual stock counts are accurate.
• Check and authorize purchase orders before formal release.
• Create and manage new stock codes in Syspro.
• Manage drawing database and maintain accurate bills of material.
• Coordinate deliveries and collections.

Stores & Stock Control

• Oversee and control stores operations (goods in, goods out, and stock movement).
• Assist in developing procedures for buying, stock control, and material handling.

Team Support & Development

• Support other departments with procurement-related needs.

Minimum Requirements / skill set

• 5 - 10 years experience in a technical buying role (manufacturing / engineering environment) non-negotiable
• Hands‑on experience with Syspro ERP - non-negotiable
• Ability to read drawings, interpret specifications, and calculate raw material requirements - non-negotiable
• Strong understanding of raw material grades and manufacturing workflows non-negotiable
• Proven track record in supplier negotiation and stock management.
• Exposure to import orders and tender pricing are advantageous.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills .
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings .
• Sound understanding of raw material grades, specifications, and standards .
• Knowledge of manufacturing production workflows and material demands.
• Solid technical knowledge of engineering and manufacturing materials .
• Proven experience in purchasing, procurement, and expediting .
• Strong sense of responsibility, punctuality, and adherence to deadlines.
• Proficiency in Syspro ERP (essential).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) .
• Experience with CRM (Salesforce preferred) .
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Valid drivers license .