Buyer - Johannesburg at St Stithians College

Description

The College invites applications for the following position which will be available immediately.  Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced individuals who believe they have the required skills and competencies to take on this role. The position reports to the Senior Finance Manager.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Achieve the best value for the College through application of procurement principles
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures
• Identifying the College’s purchasing needs
• Assess supplier capabilities, pricing, quality, and reliability
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential suppliers
• Researching, selecting, and purchasing quality products
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions with suppliers to secure favourable pricing and contractual agreements. Analyse costs and pricing trends to optimize procurement strategies
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement cost-reduction initiatives
• Building positive relationships with stakeholders
• Processing requisitions and monitoring status of orders
• Prepare requests for quotations and submit them to potential suppliers
• Ensure purchasing request are within the allocated budget
• Place orders and finalise orders with payment request
• Ensure all deliveries are fulfilled and follow up on back-ordered items
• Develop an accurate and efficient monitoring system for open purchase orders
• Provide procurement administration support
• Identify, onboarding and vet new suppliers
• Monitor and requesting up to date supplier documents expiring on an annual basis 
• Upkeeping of active supplier database
• Training of staff on e-Procurement system
• e-Procurement system development

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree / diploma in finance or supply management or equivalent
• 3 - 5 years’ buying experience
• Experience with eProcurement / purchase order software platforms will be advantageous
• Sound negotiation, influencing and financial management skills
• Commercial acumen and business understanding
• Strong math, analytical and accounting skills
• Attention to detail – thorough and accurate.  Ensure all purchase orders are accurate
• Ability to work with a team and make decisions
• Intermediate/Advanced knowledge of MS Excel and excellent computer proficiency
• Excellent communication and inter-personal skills
• Ability to work under pressure and within deadlines
• Experience in a demanding customer-focused environment would be an advantage
• A willingness to work within the values, Christian ethos and mission of the College and to participate in the broader life of the school
• Any staff member working within a school is required to have a sexual offender’s clearance certificate