Buyer / Procurement Specialist - Free State, South Africa - Silk Road Consulting (Pty) Ltd

Description

Group Buyer (agriculture sector) VACANCY
Reports to: Head of Finance

Role Summary:

Our client is an internationally established and vertically integrated group of entities involved in
plant propagation, farming, packing and marketing of berries.
They increasingly focussed on precision farming, using high-tech farming principles to drive
yield, economic points of difference and decrease conventional risks associated with farming.
This, together with the use of world-best plant varieties has ensured that they grown to be a
world class premium berry supplier across multiple continents.
This new role is for a Group Buyer to lead, develop and implement purchasing strategies and
efficient logistics of goods for multiple product lines within the businesses. This will include
sourcing and purchasing of goods and services, negotiating contracts and managing supplier
relationships. The successful candidate will demonstrate strategic thinking, drive cost-efficient
procurement (incl. preferential procurement in terms of the BEE codes) and ensure sound
stock controls.
Accordingly, a highly ethical, technically strong and driven individual with a high urgency index,
who takes their work very personally and wants to leave their mark, is required to take on this
new role.

The role is based in Hermanus. Must be willing to travel between farms on an ad hoc basis.

Direct Reports:

None initially, although the role may develop in future to include this reports and a purchasing
team.

Personal Attributes:

• High energy, enthusiastic, ambitious and highly self-motivated
• Embraces and supports change processes
• Highly proactive and positive problem solver with demonstrable resourcefulness
• Excellent interpersonal and time management skills
• Commercially aware, forward thinking
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to operate in an extremely dynamic environment, working to tight deadlines
• Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail on ethical procurement and cost initiatives

Key responsibilities:
Supplier Management

• Implement purchasing strategy to meet the needs of company business operations and
  achieve effective purchasing goals including, among others things, acceptable service
  levels, cost effectiveness, product quality and cashflow
• Analyze, interpret, and implement actions based on supplier performance reports covering
  price, lead time, and quality;
• Maintain records for price, lead time, and quality within company systems according to
  SOPs
• Work with QA engineer and line manager to understand, feedback to suppliers, and solve
  any quality or lead time problems which may arise;
• Ensure Supplier Agreements and Exclusivity Agreements are updated and signed
  according to company SOPs, where applicable
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, leveraging partnerships to
  drive cost savings, quality improvements, and innovation.

Order Placement

• Place orders to appropriate suppliers in line with the procurement policy and company
  product requirement standards
• Confirmation and communication of lead-times for delivery to farm staff, including FBMs
• Ensure delivery notes are appropriately received, signed off and delivered to finance
  Finance Reporting
• Ensuring excellent communication and reporting of expected payments on projects and/or
  large (>R500k) purchases to drive awareness and planning around cash allocation
• Relevant BEE reporting including target setting of the relevant preferential procurement
  scorecard items and tracking thereof

SOP and Compliance

• Develop appropriate purchasing SOPs and ensure compliance with procurement policy
  Stock
• Drive stock-holding working capital efficiencies through excellent understanding of product
  lead times and order timing
• Assist with accurate stock takes and understanding stock levels throughout the business
  for improved decision-making

General

• Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers, evaluate their capabilities, and
  negotiate favourable terms and conditions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their requirements and develop
  sourcing plans to meet their needs
• Stay updated on industry trends, market conditions, and technological advancements to
  identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to forecast demand, plan inventory levels, and
  ensure timely availability of goods and services.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or related
• At least 8 years' experience in the key responsibilities above with a proven track record of
  effective procurement at a senior level
• Strong Excel and other MS application experience. SharePoint, MS Teams helpful
• Good understanding of preferential procurement scorecard items
• Good understanding of Incoterms and ability to understand customs tariff implications for
  various origin purchases
• ERP Experience, ideally with Microsoft Navision or BC365
• Strong knowledge of procurement principles, best practices, and market trends.
• Excellent negotiation, contract management, and vendor relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze data and make
  informed decisions.
• Proficiency in procurement software systems and tools.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects
  simultaneously.
• Understanding of legal, regulatory, and ethical standards related to procurement