Junior Procurement Clerk at FreeRecruit

• We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Procurement Clerk to join our growing sweets and snacks manufacturing business. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the procurement function through the timely sourcing, ordering, tracking, and administration of raw materials, packaging, ingredients, consumables, and other operational requirements necessary to ensure uninterrupted production.
• The ideal candidate will possess strong administrative and organisational skills, excellent supplier relationship management capabilities, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Experience with Sage Evolution will be highly advantageous.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Administration

• Generate and process purchase orders accurately and timeously.
• Obtain quotations from approved suppliers and compare pricing, quality, and delivery terms.
• Follow up on outstanding orders and ensure deliveries meet required deadlines.
• Maintain procurement records, supplier databases, and purchasing documentation.
• Verify supplier invoices against purchase orders and goods received notes.
• Assist with supplier onboarding and documentation management.

Inventory & Production Support

• Monitor stock levels of raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and consumables.
• Liaise closely with Production Managers to ensure material availability for production schedules.
• Assist in forecasting procurement requirements based on production plans and sales trends.
• Report potential stock shortages, delays, or supply chain risks proactively.
• Coordinate urgent purchases where necessary to prevent production downtime.

Supplier Management

• Build and maintain positive relationships with suppliers.
• Source alternative suppliers and products when required.
• Monitor supplier performance regarding pricing, quality, service levels, and delivery times.
• Assist with negotiating pricing and favourable purchasing terms.

System & Reporting

• Capture and maintain procurement transactions accurately on Sage Evolution.
• Produce purchasing reports, stock reports, and supplier analyses as requested.
• Assist with monthly stock reconciliations and procurement reporting.
• Ensure procurement records comply with company policies and audit requirements.

Compliance & Cost Control

• Support initiatives aimed at reducing procurement costs while maintaining quality standards.
• Ensure all purchases are authorised according to company procedures.
• Assist in identifying opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
• Maintain adherence to food manufacturing quality standards and supplier compliance requirements.

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Matric (Grade 12) essential.
• Diploma or Certificate in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field will be advantageous.

Experience

• 2–5 years’ experience in a procurement, purchasing, buying, or supply chain administration role.
• Previous experience within a manufacturing, FMCG, food production, sweets, snacks, or related environment will be advantageous.
• Experience working with multiple suppliers and managing purchasing processes.

Technical Skills

• Sage Evolution experience highly advantageous.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong data capture and reporting abilities.
• Good understanding of inventory control principles.

Personal Attributes

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive problem solver with a sense of urgency.
• High level of integrity and accountability.
• Team player with the ability to work across multiple departments.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Purchase orders processed accurately and on time.
• Supplier delivery performance.
• Stock availability and reduction of stock-outs.
• Accuracy of procurement records and system data.
• Cost-saving initiatives identified and implemented.
• Timely resolution of procurement-related issues.
• Compliance with company purchasing procedures.