Human Resource Business Partner jobs in South Africa

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Introduction

The Procurement Officer is responsible for ensuring the timely and cost-effective acquisition of raw materials, consumables, equipment, and services required for steel manufacturing operations. This includes sourcing and managing suppliers of scrap metal, ferroalloys, electrodes, refractory materials, oxygen, industrial gases, machine spares, lubricants, and engineering services. The role requires a balance of technical knowledge, commercial acumen, and strict adherence to health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Identify, qualify, and manage local and international suppliers of key steelmaking inputs (scrap, alloys, carbon materials, fluxes, electrodes, refractories, gases, spare parts, and heavy equipment).
• Conduct supplier due diligence to ensure compliance with company standards, ISO, OHS, and legal frameworks.
• Negotiate long-term supply contracts to secure stable pricing and supply of critical inputs.
• Maintain an updated supplier database with performance metrics (quality, lead time, reliability, and cost competitiveness).
• Drive supplier audits and performance reviews in collaboration with Quality and Technical departments.

Operational Procurement

• Raise purchase requisitions and orders in the ERP system (SAP/Oracle/IFS).
• Monitor stock levels of critical raw materials and consumables to prevent furnace downtime.
• Work closely with production teams (Melting, Rolling, and Maintenance) to forecast demand.
• Expedite urgent orders for spare parts and consumables to minimize equipment downtime.
• Coordinate with logistics to ensure smooth importation, customs clearance, and local transport of bulk raw materials.

Cost & Market Analysis

• Track global and local commodity prices (scrap, ferroalloys, coking coal, graphite electrodes).
• Prepare cost analysis reports and recommend procurement strategies to mitigate market volatility.
• Develop cost-saving initiatives through supplier consolidation, alternative sourcing, and improved contract terms.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure all procurement activities comply with internal policies, B-BBEE regulations, and safety standards.
• Implement procurement risk management by identifying potential supply disruptions.
• Support sustainability initiatives by sourcing environmentally friendly and ethical suppliers.

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain procurement records, supplier contracts, and performance data.
• Prepare weekly/monthly procurement status reports for management review.
• Provide input into annual budgeting and procurement planning.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of procurement experience in steel, mining, or heavy manufacturing industries.
• Proven track record in sourcing steelmaking raw materials, consumables, and engineering spares.
• Experience in international procurement and import/export processes (letters of credit, INCOTERMS, customs clearance).
• Strong exposure to contract negotiation and vendor relationship management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Procurement, Engineering, Metallurgy, or Business Administration.
• Professional certifications (CIPS, SAPICS, or equivalent) are advantageous.
• Knowledge of steelmaking processes and industrial procurement is highly desirable.

Package & Remuneration

Based on experience and relevant qualifications.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills with suppliers of industrial commodities.
• In-depth knowledge of steel industry supply chains, including scrap, ferroalloys, refractories, and electrodes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP/Oracle/IFS) and Microsoft Office.
• Analytical skills to conduct cost-benefit analysis and supplier risk assessments.
• Strong problem-solving ability to resolve urgent supply chain disruptions.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Other

Job function: Purchasing and Supply Chain