Senior Buyer / Procurement Manager

Our client is seeking a Senior Buyer / Procurement Manager to lead the procurement function within a high-volume, custom manufacturing environment. The role is responsible for strategic sourcing, supplier negotiation, material planning and procurement execution to support the successful delivery of bespoke shopfitting projects.

The successful candidate will require strong procurement expertise, detailed knowledge of shopfitting materials, and the ability to maintain cost efficiency, quality and material availability in a deadline-driven production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement and Sourcing

• Develop and execute proactive procurement strategies aligned with production timelines, client deadlines and cost objectives.
• Source, evaluate and negotiate with local and international suppliers to secure optimal value across quality, cost, delivery and reliability.
• Monitor market trends, price fluctuations and commodity risks, particularly within timber, aluminium and steel markets.
• Build and manage long-term supplier pipelines to support high-demand projects and reduce procurement bottlenecks.

Operational Procurement

• Manage the end-to-end procurement of materials and components, including:
• Timber, board, laminates and Perspex.
• Aluminium extrusions and sheet metal.
• Glass, paint, powder coating, adhesives and chemicals.
• Steel tube, steel sheet and hardware, including hinges, locks, runners and fasteners.
• Consumables and shopfitting components.
• Ensure purchase orders are accurately raised, tracked and fulfilled within required lead times.
• Collaborate with production planners, project managers and installation teams to forecast material requirements and manage demand.
• Monitor stock levels and work with warehouse staff to maintain availability of critical items.

Supplier and Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with a vetted supplier base.
• Lead vendor evaluations and conduct performance reviews across quality, cost and delivery.
• Manage supplier disputes and non-conformances, and implement corrective actions where required.
• Maintain and update the preferred supplier list, including relevant documentation and compliance metrics.

Cost Control and Reporting

• Lead cost-reduction initiatives without compromising project timelines or quality standards.
• Track procurement spend and supplier performance, and report on key procurement metrics monthly.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting and spend analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making.

Compliance and Procurement Systems

• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, ethical sourcing practices and contractual obligations.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, including supplier contracts, purchase orders and correspondence.
• Drive digitisation and process efficiency through ERP/MRP systems for purchase tracking, reporting and stock alignment.

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years' procurement experience, ideally within shopfitting, furniture manufacturing, joinery or light engineering.
• Demonstrated experience managing high-value purchasing and negotiating favourable commercial terms.
• Experience managing procurement across approximately 350 active suppliers and procurement values of approximately R15 million per month.
• Proficiency in ERP systems such as Syspro, SAP, Sage or equivalent.
• Experience sourcing from both local and international suppliers.
• Strong understanding of supply chain, manufacturing processes and production planning.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Advantageous Experience

• Ability to interpret technical drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs).

Key Competencies

• Assertive and resilient approach, with the ability to perform effectively under pressure.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and supplier-management capability.
• High attention to detail in procurement documentation, cost tracking and material specifications.
• Strong commercial awareness.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a high-volume production environment.

If you meet the requirements and would like to be considered for this opportunity, please submit your application through the link provided. Only candidates who meet the role requirements will be contacted.