Senior Buyer at The Key Recruitment Group

Role Overview

• Our Client is a nationally recognised South African property development group, with a strong track record in affordable housing and secure lifestyle estates, is looking for an accomplished Senior Buyer to support their growing presence in the Western Cape. This role offers the chance to shape and drive marketing strategy for a business that is making a tangible impact on communities across South Africa.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for developing dependable supply sources and managing the purchasing of materials according to business requirements. This role requires strong supplier management, procurement expertise, and the ability to ensure cost-effective purchasing while maintaining quality standards and delivery timelines.
• The ideal candidate will have strong experience within the construction and/or residential development industry, with the ability to work within budgets, manage supplier relationships, and ensure procurement processes align with internal policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Source and develop reliable supplier relationships to ensure continuity of supply.
• Send out enquiries for required materials and evaluate supplier quotations.
• Analyse pricing, quality, and supplier performance to ensure cost-effective purchasing.
• Place orders with approved suppliers to meet project and operational requirements.
• Ensure materials are purchased at competitive rates and within approved budgets.
• Ensure supplier deliveries are aligned with build programmes and deadlines.

Material Planning & Availability

• Monitor material requirements and ensure product availability.
• Prepare and distribute monthly material forecasts to suppliers.
• Consolidate purchasing activities to maximise cost savings and economic benefit.
• Report material delays, shortages, or supply issues to management.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure purchased materials meet required quality and performance standards.
• Ensure all procurement activities adhere to company policies, procedures, and purchasing specifications.
• Ensure approved group purchasing agreements and supplier deals are utilised.

Financial & Administrative Control

• Examine monthly invoicing before submission for payment.
• Investigate and report anomalies relating to invoicing and supplier accounts.
• Monitor over-deliveries and coordinate with suppliers, quantity surveyors, and sites regarding discrepancies.
• Ensure accurate procurement documentation and record keeping.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in a business-related field, such as:
• Procurement
• Supply Chain Management
• Business Management
• Minimum 7 years’ experience as a Buyer, preferably within:
• Construction industry
• Residential development environment
• Strong procurement and supplier negotiation experience.
• High attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working with procurement systems (BuildSmart advantageous).

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Highly organised and structured approach to work.
• Excellent planning and coordination ability.
• Strong analytical and cost-management capability.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple procurement priorities simultaneously.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Deadline-driven and proactive approach.