Buyer at Unique Personnel

Purpose: 

• The Buyer is responsible for sourcing and procuring imported components, materials, and equipment required for the manufacture of commercial refrigeration units. This role ensures continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, quality compliance, and on-time delivery of critical components. The position works closely with production planning, engineering, logistics, quality, and finance teams to support efficient manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties: 

• Source, evaluate, and negotiate with international suppliers. 
• Manage purchase orders in line with production plans, BOM requirements, and inventory targets 
• Coordinate import logistics, including Incoterms, shipment scheduling, freight forwarders, and customs documentation 
• Ensure compliance with import regulations, customs tariffs, and trade agreements 
• Support engineering and quality teams with supplier technical documentation, specifications, and certifications 
• Monitor supplier performance on cost, delivery, quality, and technical compliance 
• Track shipments and proactively resolve supply delays, shortages, or logistics issues that may impact production 
• Collaborate with planning and production to mitigate risks related to long lead-time imported components 
• Maintain accurate purchasing, pricing, and supplier data in the ERP system 
• Assist with supplier development initiatives and alternative sourcing to reduce risk and cost
• Support cost-reduction projects, localization initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts 
• Reporting

Inherent Requirements    
Qualifications: 

• Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Engineering, Logistics, or a related field

Work experience and skills: 

• 3–5 years’ experience in import purchasing or procurement within manufacturing (refrigeration, electrical, or industrial equipment preferred) 
• Solid understanding of international trade, import logistics, Incoterms, and customs clearance 
• Experience buying technical or engineered components from global suppliers 
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (Forward, Syspro, or similar)

Behavioral attributes: 

• Strong negotiation and commercial skills
• Analytical mindset with strong cost control focus
• High attention to detail and documentation accuracy
• Ability to manage long lead times and supply risk
• Effective communication with international suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving and planning capabilities 
• Proficient in MS Excel and procurement systems 
• Attention to details.
• Ability to function under pressure & meet deadlines.
• Management of multiple organizational functional responsibilities. 
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels in the organization. 
• Team player.