Buyer

Acquires materials equipment and spares for the effective operations of the company and/or subsidiaries in the most cost-effective manner to optimize company benefits

Job Summary

Acquires materials equipment and spares for the effective operations of the company and/or subsidiaries in the most cost-effective manner to optimise company benefits. Ensures all practices are executed such that the company’s operational needs are met, taking into account price, quality and delivery and to ensure continuity of supply. Provides support for the execution of procurement projects.

Job Duties

• Receives and analyses requisitions for materials, equipment, and spares, assesses delivery requirements and requests for quotations.
• Prepares bid invitations (ITBs) in accordance with current policy and procedure and the Delegation of Authority Manual (DOAM)
• Surveys markets for best source of new supply sources both locally and internationally using appropriate technology and available technology. Contacts potential suppliers and negotiates most favourable proposals in accordance with company guidelines.
• Prepares bid evaluations, evaluates and merges technical and commercial evaluations and recommends awards.
• Negotiates contracts, improves prices and terms of business with suppliers and reviews opportunities to make business savings utilising negotiation and procurement best practice tools and methods.
• Collaborates with end users to identify substitute materials if originals are unavailable or if a more economical substitute meets fit for purpose standards.
• Provides technical advice to users and provides assistance in solving procurement issues, makes recommendations to end users based on alternative procurement pathways within company guidelines.
• Interviews sales representatives of firms, arranges for demonstrations and tests of supplies and equipment prior to recommendation for purchase.
• Obtains quotations and purchase items where necessary on emergency, in accordance with emergency purchase procedures.
• Keeps abreast of/or is knowledgeable of statutory regulations as it relates to current Procurement practices and statutory regulations and requirements.
• Participates in the assessment and selection of suppliers, contractors, and service providers.
• Sources and negotiates for the best purchase regarding quality, price, terms, deliveries, and services with suppliers.
• Collaborates with user departments and suppliers in defining purchasing scope of works/supply good for services required.
• Works closely with others in the procurement function and reviews opportunities for continuous improvement and business improvements.
• Monitors and advises on any issues which present risk or opportunity to the organisation.
• Acts as an interface between suppliers and other relevant departments on purchasing processes and new projects and activities.
• Monitors and resolves all issues and discrepancies related to users and suppliers included but not limited to defects, shortages, and missing parts.
• Supports the purchasing function and other relevant departments and communicates any supply problems which may impact on business operations.
• Executes any other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in business management, Supply Chain management, Procurement and Contracts or any other related field of study, e.g. Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) and Institute of Supply Management (ISM)
• A minimum of four (4) years’ experience in a Procurement, Vendor Management, or Supply Chain Management discipline or in a related field.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of: Contract Management, and Contractual Liabilities, Pre-qualification Policies and Procedures, Policies and Procedures on the Company’s Health, Safety and the Environment
• Knowledge of Vendor Management, Regulations and Procedures of state governmental purchasing, leasing and selling, especially of the State Enterprises Performance Monitoring Manual
• Analytical Skills
• Teamwork Skills
• Time management
• Communication Skills (oral & written)
• Relationship management
• Planning and organising
• Customer service

KEY ATTRIBUTES:

• Service orientation, requires ability to engage and effectively manage customer expectations
• Results orientated with the ability to plan and deliver against project deadlines, establishing and maintaining challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
• Attention to detail, requires being careful and thorough about details, recognising the impact of decisions
• Proficient in standard logistics software
• Able to build and maintain effective and productive relationships with staff, stakeholders and suppliers
• Analytical, numerically astute with strong demonstrated problem-solving abilities
• Commercial and financial awareness with a full understanding of how failure impacts the production, manufacture and customer order fulfilment
• Able to work well under pressure and handle emergency and stressful situations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other departments, and the public

Ref: DJ