Our leading manufacturing client in Umhlanga is looking for a Buyer!   The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining optimal stock levels, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring the timely procurement of materials and goods - with a key focus on paper and related consumables.  This role requires strong analytical ability, accuracy, and the capacity to forecast and plan effectively according to business needs.

Key Responsibilities

Stock Management & Procurement

• Review and adjust weekly orders to ensure stock levels align with consumption and order requirements.

• Analyse stock holdings to maintain minimum stock levels and ensure suppliers adhere to just-in-time stock principles.

• Provide suppliers with monthly or weekly order forecasts to assist in production planning and stock holding.

• Monitor and report on slow-moving or obsolete stock, communicating findings to estimators and management.

• Release purchase orders for approval and ensure orders are issued timeously to support smooth store operations.

• Source and purchase paper and paper-related materials efficiently, ensuring best quality, pricing, and supplier reliability.

• Manage stock returns from initiation to completion, ensuring all documentation and communication are handled efficiently.

• Investigate product quality issues with production teams, record return reasons, and liaise with suppliers for immediate resolution.

• Obtain credit notes from suppliers within one week of goods being returned and forward them to creditors for processing.

• Compile detailed monthly savings reports comparing system cost prices with actual achieved costs per purchase order.

• Submit monthly procurement performance and achievement reports to the Procurement Team Lead.

• Update and maintain supplier BEE certificates and monthly spend analysis on the central system for team access.

Knowledge & Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years' experience in a buying or procurement role, with specific experience purchasing paper and related materials (essential).

• Strong understanding of procurement processes and supply chain strategies.

• Practical experience with stock analysis, demand forecasting, and supplier management.

• High-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general computer literacy.

• Hands-on experience using Business Central (or a similar ERP system).

Qualifications:

• Formal education in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (essential).