Procurement Buyer

SUMMARY:
Procurement Buyer – Rail/Transport Industry
Location: Johannesburg | Full-Time
We are seeking an experienced Procurement Buyer to join our team in the rail/transportation sector. The ideal candidate will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing supplier relationships to support railway operations and maintenance.

POSITION INFO:

Minimum Requirements:

• Matric Certificate.
• Certifications or a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience as a Procurement Buyer or in a similar procurement role, preferably within the train or transportation industry.

• Strong understanding of procurement processes, supplier management, and contract negotiation.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to supplier sites or company facilities.
• Comfortable working in an office environment with occasional exposure to manufacturing or warehouse settings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers of materials, components, and services needed for railway operations and maintenance.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure a reliable supply chain and favorable contractual terms.
• Conduct supplier audits and performance evaluations to ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage the full procurement lifecycle, including creating and issuing purchase orders, negotiating terms and conditions, and confirming order details.
• Ensure all purchased items meet quality standards and are delivered on schedule.
• Monitor inventory levels and forecast demand to plan and execute timely purchases.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers to achieve optimal pricing, terms, and delivery conditions.
• Review and manage supplier contracts to ensure compliance and resolve any performance-related issues.
• Collaborate with legal and finance teams to address contractual and financial matters.
• Manage procurement budgets, ensuring cost-effective purchasing in line with financial constraints.
• Analyze pricing structures to identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.
• Implement cost control measures and monitor expenditure against budget forecasts.
• Ensure compliance with quality and safety standards required by the railway industry.
• Stay up to date with regulatory requirements and ensure all procurement activities align with company policies.
• Proactively address risks related to supplier performance, quality issues, or potential supply chain disruptions.
• Prepare and present detailed procurement reports, including spend analysis, supplier performance metrics, and activity summaries.
• Recommend strategic sourcing initiatives and continuous process improvement.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to align procurement strategies with business needs.
• Communicate clearly with both suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve issues and maintain strong working relationships.