Buyer - Brits at Bridgestone South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Job Purpose

• To effectively manage the end-to-end purchasing process for stock and non-stock items by creating and processing Purchase Orders in SAP, executing competitive bidding and cost-saving initiatives, expediting supplier deliveries, and ensuring timely fulfillment of internal customer requirements while complying with negotiated contracts and Bridgestone procurement standards.

Job Overview

• The Buyer is responsible for operational procurement activities that support plant operations and business continuity. This role focuses on transactional purchasing, supplier coordination, cost optimization through bid systems, and stakeholder engagement. The Buyer works closely with Sourcing Specialists, suppliers, and internal end users to ensure quality, cost, delivery, and technology objectives are met.

Key Responsibilities

• Process and manage Purchase Orders (POs) for stock and non-stock items using SAP.
• Conduct competitive bidding exercises using the approved bid system to achieve cost savings.
• Award purchase orders based on total cost of ownership (price, quality, delivery, and technology).
• Expedite orders with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery.
• Ensure internal end users receive materials and services according to required timelines.
• Support new supplier selection, evaluation, and onboarding onto SAP and procurement systems.
• Procure materials and services in line with contracts negotiated by Sourcing Specialists.
• Drive and support cost-saving and value-improvement initiatives.
• Maintain strong stakeholder relationships with internal departments and suppliers.

Main Responsibilities

Procurement Execution

• Create, release, and manage POs in SAP in compliance with procurement policies.
• Ensure accuracy of pricing, quantities, delivery dates, and contract references.

Supplier Management & Expediting

• Communicate with suppliers to confirm orders and delivery schedules.
• Proactively follow up on overdue or at-risk deliveries and resolve supply issues.

Cost Saving & Bid Management

• Run RFQs and tenders via the bid system.
• Perform cost analysis and benchmarking to identify savings opportunities.
• Support implementation and tracking of cost-saving initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with internal end users to clarify requirements and delivery expectations.
• Provide regular order status updates and resolve procurement-related queries.

Supplier Onboarding & Compliance

• Assist with new supplier selection and onboarding processes.
• Ensure suppliers comply with Bridgestone standards, policies, and system requirements.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.
• SAP (MM module) experience is essential.
• CIPS or equivalent procurement qualification (advantageous).

Required Capabilities

• Strong understanding of procurement and purchasing processes.
• Proficiency in SAP and electronic bidding systems.
• Cost analysis and negotiation support skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Cost Savings Achieved
• Percentage or value of savings delivered through bidding and procurement initiatives.
• On-Time Delivery Performance
• Percentage of POs delivered on or before agreed delivery dates.
• PO Accuracy Rate
• Number of error-free POs processed in SAP.
• Supplier Performance Compliance
• Supplier adherence to quality, delivery, and contractual requirements.
• Internal Customer Satisfaction
• Feedback and satisfaction levels from internal end users regarding procurement service and responsiveness.