Buyer - Durban at Stratogo

Purpose of the Job:

• Ensure that Purchase orders are up to date and follow up with suppliers for delivery

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience as a Strategic Buyer or similar role in the flexible and packaging industry.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent understanding of procurement processes, market dynamics, and supplier evaluation.
• Ability to analyze industry trends and make data-driven decisions.
• Solid knowledge of packaging and printing materials, quality standards, and specifications.
• Proficient in using procurement software.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Place POs for consumables, Raw Materials, Plates and Factory Maintenance tools, services or parts daily
• Chase suppliers to meet delivery dates as specified on Purchase orders daily
• Request Stock Balance Reports and Stock Availability Reports Daily from Raw Material Suppliers and forward to Senior Buyer and Commercial Manager
• Conduct weekly (ideally Wednesday) meeting with stores team for Consumable stock replenishment
• Update supplier contract Pricing Monthly
• PO maintenance weekly
• BRC Supplier maintenance and document control weekly
• Consumable Stock Take Capture monthly
• Update Purchase order file daily and send to receiving clerk.
• Control Buy and Sell Purchasing and stock replenishment daily
• Participate in supplier selection activities, evaluating potential vendors and suppliers based on their capabilities, quality standards, and pricing.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers, ensuring favourable terms and conditions while maintaining strong relationships.
• Review and modify specifications, purchase orders, contracts, change orders, and related documents as needed.
• Prepare proposals, request quotes, and negotiate purchase terms and conditions to achieve the best possible value for the organization.
• Monitor supplier performance, identify and resolve any issues or concerns that may impact delivery or quality.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of purchased items, coordinating with the Quality Control and Warehouse teams to resolve any shortcomings.
• Analyze industry and demand trends, providing insights and support to the Manager in the development and implementation of sourcing strategies.
• Conduct market research to identify pricing trends and benchmark against industry standards.
• Monitor stock levels, place orders as needed, and coordinate with the warehouse staff to ensure proper storage and inventory management.
• Collaborate with team members, supervisors, and the Purchasing Manager to develop future purchasing plans and establish potential relationships with vendors.
• Work closely with the financial team on contract management, invoicing, and other financial matters.
• Prepare cost analyses for management approval on shortlisted suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) such as delivery on time (DOT) and on-time in full (OTIF).
• Assist the line manager in the preparation of tender submissions and ensure all documentation is in order.
• Ensure that the ordered volumes align with actual and forecasted needs.
• Monitor all purchase requisitions and make necessary adjustments with vendors.