Senior Buyer at Tharisa

Purpose of Role

The Senior Buyer holds a pivotal position within the company's procurement function, overseeing the sourcing and procurement of essential goods and services vital for operational success. The role necessitates an adept professional with a comprehensive grasp of procurement strategies, supplier management, negotiation skills, and specialized knowledge specific to the mining industry

Responsibilities include orchestrating procurement and supply chain operations, ensuring timely and cost-efficient acquisition of materials, and upholding adherence to company policies and industry regulations. Collaborative coordination with cross-functional teams and supplier & Community liaisons is essential for seamless operations

Role Context

Strategic Sourcing: 

• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, establish, and maintain supplier relationships, and implement effective sourcing strategies to ensure a stable supply of materials, equipment, and services

Supplier Management: 

• Collaborate closely with suppliers to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of goods and services while maintaining high quality standards
•  Conduct regular supplier performance evaluations and implement improvement plans as necessary. Identify, evaluate, and manage suppliers, ensuring their compliance with quality, safety, and ethical standards

Negotiation: 

• Lead negotiations with suppliers to achieve favourable terms, including pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, and contractual agreements. Ensure contracts and agreements are aligned with company policies and legal requirements

Ethics and Compliance:

• Ensure procurement activities adhere to ethical and compliance standards, company policy and procedures including the MPRDA, Mining Charter 2018 and BEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) and all Law requirements in South Africa
• Ensure that actions and decisions taken do not bring the company into disrepute
• Stay updated on industry regulations and trends affecting procurement and supply chain activities

Procurement Planning: 

• Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand procurement needs, forecast demand, and develop procurement plans that support the company's operational goals
• Lead the procurement process for various categories of goods and services required for mining operations
• Develop and execute procurement strategies to optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance
• Work with the Supply Chain Administrator, to prepare and issue requests for proposals (RFPs), requests for quotations (RFQs), and invitations to tender (ITTs)
• Evaluate supplier proposals, analyse bids, and recommend the selection of suppliers based on established criteria

Market Research: 

• Stay updated on industry trends, market conditions, and new technologies to identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and innovation within the procurement function

Cost Control and Budgeting:

•  Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to achieve optimal pricing and favourable conditions
• Implement cost-effective procurement strategies while maintaining quality standards
• Analyse market trends, pricing, and supply chain practices to identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising on quality
• Negotiate favourable terms and conditions with suppliers to secure the best possible deals
• Mitigate and reduce maverick speed

Team Collaboration: 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, finance, and legal departments, to ensure alignment on procurement strategies and objectives

Data Analysis: 

• Utilize procurement and financial data to generate reports, analyse spending patterns, and provide insights to support decision-making
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and ethical standards
• Prepare and present procurement reports to management, highlighting cost savings and procurement performance metrics
• Proficient in MS suite, Excel, Words etc

Supply Chain Optimization: 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize the supply chain process, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of goods and services
• Reduction of Working Capital, Excess Inventory and OSMI
• Collaborate with inventory teams to maintain optimal stock levels of critical materials, minimizing operational disruptions

Risk Management: 

• Identify potential risks in the supply chain, develop risk mitigation strategies, and ensure business continuity by having alternative sourcing plans in place
• Ensure confidentiality and integrity

Stakeholder Communication: 

• Maintain clear and effective communication with internal stakeholders, keeping them informed about procurement processes and potential challenges
• Enterprise and Supplier Development monitoring and reporting

Local Sourcing: 

• Identify and engage local suppliers to procure necessary materials, equipment, and services, while considering factors such as quality, cost, and lead time

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of procurement activities, contracts, and supplier information
• Generate regular reports on procurement activities, including cost analysis, savings, and supplier performance

Problem Solving: 

• Address any procurement-related challenges that may arise and propose solutions to maintain uninterrupted operations

Purchase Order Management:

•  Process purchase orders and monitor their status, ensuring accurate documentation and alignment with budgetary constraints
• Generate and process purchase orders for required goods and services
• Expediate, Monitor and track order status to ensure timely execution of on-time delivery in full (OTDF)
• Manage and execute procurement processes at the mining site, including raising purchase requisitions, obtaining quotes, and issuing purchase orders

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Grade 12/ NQF Level 6
• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management or equivalent qualification

Job specific experience:

• 5 years relevant experience is required in the Mining environment
• Prior experience supervising, coaching, and developing staff
• Proven leadership and influencing skills with effective communication and computer
• skills.
• Valid driver’s license code 8
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)