What Jobs are available for Buyer in South Africa?

REQUIREMENTS

• Affirmative Action South African citizen
• National Diploma/ Degree in the following disciplines:  Procurement, Logistics, Commerce, Finance, Business Management or Public Management
• 3 - 5 years of general procurement (non-production buying) experience within the automotive or related industry

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Ability to interpret commercial and general data
• Skilled in financial analysis/ costing/ presentations
• Able to work under pressure, set and achieve timing plans
• Good oral and written communication skills in English
• Strong administrative and analytical skills
• Computer literacy (SAP, MS Office) is essential

ADDED ADVANTAGE

• A valid driver’s license
• Experience in buying stock items

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform technical work that results in commercially/ legally correct orders/ contracts being placed that ensure that goods and services are purchased on time, economically, to the required quality standard and in economic quantities to provide an uninterrupted supply and service to production at all times
• Applying financial, accounting and economic knowledge to evaluate pricing
• Benchmarking, global competitive sourcing, and supplier negotiations
• Evaluation of suppliers and negotiation of prices and terms, service delivery and quality whilst maintaining regulatory and quality standards
• Achieve monthly and year-on-year savings
• Preparation of RFQ, purchase order and contract documentation
• Maintaining the current supplier base and establishing new suppliers to achieve cost and service optimisation through benchmarking and market research
• Adjudication of tenders based on procedural requirements to ensure competitive and fair supplier selection

• Purchase materials and services while meeting cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
• Support purchasing and related departments; communicate supply issues impacting the business.
• Interface between suppliers and internal teams on purchasing and new projects.
• Monitor market trends, competitors, and suppliers to identify risks and opportunities.
• Analyze costs, review cost-reduction initiatives, and prepare reports.
• Negotiate contracts and terms to improve prices and business savings.
• Manage purchase orders and schedules.
• Build and maintain professional supplier relationships and communications.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and procedures.
• Conduct supplier research and performance evaluations; resolve issues on price, quality, delivery, or invoicing.
• Adhere to health, safety, and environmental policies.

• Relevant business, commercial, manufacturing, or engineering degree (e.g., B Tech).
• CIPS qualification or working towards it is advantageous.
• 3-5 years experience in purchasing, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Good commercial knowledge, negotiation skills, and cost analysis experience.
• Experience working closely with suppliers.
• Understanding of automotive processes and components
• Proficient with computers, including advanced Excel skills.

• Strong negotiation and purchasing expertise.
• Analytical skills for cost review and supplier evaluation.
• Effective communication and relationship management.
• Ability to identify and contribute to cost savings and process improvements.
• Knowledge of procurement best practices and compliance.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with suppliers and internal teams.

Buyer – General Procurement (Automotive Sector)

About the Opportunity

Our client, a leading player in the automotive manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced Buyer (General Procurement) to join their dynamic procurement team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing non-production procurement activities, driving cost optimisation, ensuring supplier quality, and supporting overall operational efficiency.

If you’re a strategic thinker with a strong grasp of financial, commercial, and supply-chain principles — this is your chance to contribute to a world-class manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate supplier performance, negotiate prices and contracts, and ensure regulatory and quality standards are upheld.

• Apply sound financial, accounting, and economic knowledge to assess pricing and supplier offers.

• Prepare RFQs, purchase orders, and contract documentation.

• Manage existing suppliers while identifying and onboarding new ones through benchmarking and market analysis.

• Support tender adjudication processes to ensure fairness and competitiveness.

• Achieve measurable monthly and annual savings through smart sourcing and negotiation strategies.

About You

Essential qualifications & experience:

• National Diploma or Degree in Procurement, Logistics, Commerce, Finance, Business Management, or Public Management.

• 3–5 years’ general procurement (non-production buying) experience within the automotive or related industry.

• Proven negotiation and problem-solving ability.

• Strong financial analysis, costing, and presentation skills.

• Excellent communication and analytical skills, with the ability to work under pressure.

• Computer literacy essential – SAP and MS Office proficiency required.

Added advantage:

• Valid driver’s licence.

• Previous experience in stock item purchasing.

Why Apply?

This opportunity offers you a chance to grow within a high-performance environment that values excellence, innovation, and professional development. You’ll play a key role in sourcing strategies that directly impact business success.

Buyer position in the General Procurement Department (Kariega)

Brief Role Description

Perform technical work that results in commercially/legally correct orders/contracts being placed that ensure that goods and services are purchased on time, economically, to the required quality standard and in economic quantities to provide an uninterrupted supply and service to production at all times

Possible Tasks within this Role

• Applying financial, accounting and economic knowledge to evaluate pricing.

• Benchmarking; Global Competitive Sourcing; Supplier Negotiations.
• Evaluation of suppliers and negotiation of prices and terms, service delivery and quality whilst maintaining regulatory and quality standards.
• Achieve monthly and year-on-year savings.
• Preparation of RFQ, Purchase order and Contract documentation.
• Maintaining current supplier base and establishing new suppliers to achieve cost and service optimisation through benchmarking and market research.
• Adjudication of tenders based on procedural requirements to ensure competitive and fair supplier selection.

Qualification requirements

National Diploma/ Degree in the following disciplines – Procurement, Logistics, Commerce, Finance, Business Management or Public Management.

Experience needed

3 – 5 years General Procurement (non-production buying) experience within the automotive- or related industry.

Essentials

• Negotiation & Problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret commercial and general data.
• Skilled in Financial Analysis / Costing / Presentations.
• Have the ability to work under pressure, set and achieve timing plans.
• Have good oral and written communication skills in English.
• Have strong administrative and analytical skills.
• Be computer literate (SAP, MS Office) competency is essential

Added Advantage

• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Have experience in buying of stock items.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in executing RFQs and managing purchase orders
• Support vendor performance tracking and compliance reviews
• Collaborate with internal teams to define scopes of work and KPIs
• Participate in cost-saving initiatives and continuous improvement projects
• Contribute to supplier relationship management and contract follow-up
• Promote Alstom's Code of Ethics and procurement standards

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field
• Strong interest in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Familiarity with SAP, Ariba, Power BI or other e-procurement tools is a plus

• National Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field
• 3-5 years experience as a Buyer in the property development, construction, or building materials sector
• Must reside in the Northern Suburbs
• Own transport and valid drivers license (essential)
• Fully bilingual
• Strong reporting skills using Excel
• Experience with Pastel/BuildSmart
• Strong knowledge of building materials, finishes, and suppliers within the Western Cape
• Proficiency in MS Office and procurement software (e.g., BuildSmart, Candy, or similar)

• Source and evaluate suppliers, materials, and subcontractors.
• Request, compare, and negotiate quotes to achieve cost savings while maintaining quality standards.
• Prepare purchase recommendations and obtain approvals in accordance with procurement policies.
• Monitor supplier performance and maintain an up-to-date supplier database
• Coordinate with the Site Manager to forecast material needs.
• Ensure compliance with budget limits and project timelines.
• Approve purchase orders within delegated authority limits.
• Resolve supply issues, backorders, or discrepancies efficiently.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and assist with reporting.
• Collaborate closely with the Ordering Clerk to ensure approved purchase orders are processed, tracked, and delivered on time.

• Monday to Friday: 08:00 17:00 but will be expected to take calls after hours.

• Minimum 35 years proven experience as a Buyer in FMCG industries
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Excellent organizational and communication abilities
• Ability to work independently and deliver results in a fast-paced environment

• Source, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to ensure best pricing and quality
• Manage procurement processes from purchase order creation to delivery
• Monitor stock levels and coordinate with warehouse/production to avoid shortages
• Maintain supplier relationships and resolve supply chain issues
• Review contracts, terms, and conditions with suppliers
• Track and report on procurement performance, costs, and savings
• Collaborate with sales, finance, and operations teams to support business needs
  
  PLEASE NOTE : Thank you for your interest in this position, we will review and be in touch if you are suitable.
  
  Due to the amount of applications we receive for each position, we are unable to respond to each one individually. Please accept your application as unsuccessful if you had no feedback within 7 days of applying . Your CV will remain on our database and we will be in touch for other suitable positions.
  
  *** In the meantime, please download our

• Sourcing of suppliers for best prices: Best quality and availability of products.
• Handling of purchasing process until delivery.
• Follow up of orders.
• Checking minimum stock levers daily.
• Ensuring on -time delivery of products.
• General purchasing related tasks like generating reports

Requirements:

• Qualification – Matric / GR 12.
• Diploma Procurement.
• Experience in purchasing with in the Automotive / Trailer Component sector.
• Computer Literate:  MS Office and purchasing software eg. SAP, Syspro, JD.
• Good communication skills.
• Negotiation skills and must be fully bilingual: Afrikaans & English.
• Ability to work efficiently, accurately and in an organized manner.
• Ability to take responsibility for position.
• Confidentiality and honesty of the utmost importance.
• Ability to work long hours under pressure

Experienced Buyer (Procurement Specialist) in FMCG market that is skilled in negotiation and demand planning.

The Goal Group , based in Cape Town, is a highly competitive player in the retail sector. Our company is searching for a self-driven, detailed-oriented, and experienced Retail Buyer in the FMCG market.

· Purchasing/procurement of FMCG products with existing and new suppliers.

· Negotiation of Pricing, Rebates and Settlement Discounts to ensure highly competitive pricing.

· Negotiating cycle deals, promotional pricing, and trade term agreements.

· Managing the promotional program and promotional spend.

· Development and management of the company's product range and sourcing of new products where applicable.

· Maintaining and developing of supplier relationships.

· Tracking and ensuring on time delivery of goods.

· Lead weekly operational and planning meetings when needed.

· Managing Service Level Agreements and performance management of suppliers.

· Maintain proper inventory levels, minimize the number of out-of-stocks, and monitoring of stock levels at Goal Distribution Centre.

· Analyze competitor activity to ensure the company remains highly competitive.

· Analyze loyalty program purchasing trends.

· In depth understanding and knowledge of the FMCG industry.

· At least 5 years' experience in FMCG industry.

· Excellent negotiation skills.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

· Proactive and assertive, able to take calculated decisions.

· Proven experience in successfully negotiating pricing, rebates, and discounts.

· Ability to handle high pressure situations.

· Solution driven.

· Strong administration skills and computer literate.

Salary: Market related

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person