Advanced Buyer

Star Merchant has an exciting opportunity available for an Advanced Buyer to be based in Umhlanga, Durban. The incumbent will be responsible for the procurement of a wide variety of commodities, materials, supplies, equipment, and services for the entity and will include negotiation. The buyer will buy and arrange payment of products and attain services: at the right price; from the right supplier; in the right quantities; for delivery at the right lead time and at the right specifications that meet the company’s needs. Be cognisant of conflict of interests, bribery and kickbacks. Ensure achievement of company’s strategic objectives, goal plans and targets. Comply with all policies and procedures and strict adherence to internal controls.

Minimum requirements:

• Experience within a buying-related role.
• Knowledge of the procurement procedures.
• Must have planning and analytical skills.
• Must have a driver’s license.

Advantageous:

• Degree/diploma in Supply Chain.

Responsibilities:

Financial Metrics/Operational Duties

• Management of the procurement process from sourcing the best pricing structure, with good quality products and services within the lead times as per the customer requirements.
• Create and build a network of suppliers and service providers, specifically those who are in line with the BEE requirements of the business.
• Negotiation with suppliers and service providers on favourable terms (payment periods, rebates, settlement discounts, bulk / volume discounts, delivery, lead times).
• Quarterly pricing comparisons should be done on fast moving and high value stock groups to ensure we receive the best pricing and payment terms.
• Effectively monitor supplier defaults such as quality, lead times, pricing etc. and escalate the issues where required.
• Sourcing of suppliers who can deliver to the businesses warehouses nationally where possible to reduce transportation costs.
• Monitor supplier pricing (ensure 3 quotes are obtained and updated regularly). Ensure there are back up, preferred suppliers.
• Effective management of the order process from purchasing in order to meet customer orders timeously.
• Ensure customer approves all artwork (where necessary) prior to finalizing the order.
• Physically accept sensitive stock items (e.g. specific artwork, colour dependent items, uniforms, promotional/ marketing branded goods) and any other item that requires special attention.
• When ordering stock, ensure maximum shelf life.
• Maintenance of the process for issuing purchase orders and follow ups on outstanding deliveries and back orders.
• Review the current quoted cost with previous GRV cost when doing weekly stock movements.
• Accurate forecasting/ demand planning according to customer demands / events.
• Maintain a good working relationship with the sales administration and warehousing teams.
• Maintain open lines of communication with the finance department.
• Keep abreast with current trends, technology, changes within the industry.
• Keep updated on market and customer trends to identify new products / services that can be added to our inventory lines.
• Ensure purchase orders are prepared and processed accurately and timeously.
• Troubleshoot and resolve any issues within the procurement process.
• Ensure that all deadlines are met, and open communication is maintained with all relevant stakeholders.
• Communicate with suppliers to resolve any price, quality or delivery issues.
• Assist with Ad Hoc tasks as required.

People

• Performance must be tracked by yourself and the onus is placed on you to set-up performance review meetings with the Operations Team Leader.

Compliance, risk and quality

• 100% compliance with company policies and procedures, health and safety regulations and all relevant laws and regulations.
• Ensure logical saving of all work, templates, etc. monthly and yearly.
• Declare all gifts.
• Do not accept kickbacks. Instances to be reported immediately.
• Declare all conflicts of interest upfront.

Growth and new markets/products

• Assist with projects as directed from time to time.
• Supplier relationship management.
• Identifying new business and new products.
• Development of existing business and products.

Skills and competencies:

• Accountability
• Excellent problem solving and reporting abilities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional market awareness and customer service skills.
• Must be deadline and result driven.

Please note that only team members who meet the stipulated minimum requirements will be considered.

Please be advised that should you not be contacted within 30 days, kindly consider your application to be unsuccessful.