Junior Buyer

The Junior Buyer will be responsible for managing the procurement of industrial equipment and related products. This position will focus on expediting all overdue and pending orders, maintaining inventory levels, creating purchase orders, liaising with suppliers, and ensuring timely order fulfilment. The ideal candidate will be organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle large volumes of data. This role offers a great opportunity for a motivated individual with a passion for supply chain management and procurement.

Responsibilities/Skills:

Order Management:

• Assess suggested orders based on historical sales data and create purchase orders (POs) for suppliers on a weekly replenishment cycle.
• Identify items with potential stockouts and those already out of stock, placing orders daily to ensure stock levels are maintained.

Supplier Communication:

• Confirm purchase orders with suppliers to ensure they are received and will be fulfilled on time.
• Expedite all overdue and pending orders to ensure timely delivery.
• Update the internal system with changes to Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) dates and inform the sales team about any delays affecting outstanding sales orders.

Request for Quotation (RFQ):

• Issue and process RFQs to suppliers for items supplied by multiple vendors.
• Evaluate quotations and select the best supplier based on cost, quality, and delivery timelines.

Forecasting and Planning:

• Assist the Procurement Manager and Sales Manager in establishing forecasts for critical items that require bulk ordering.
• Provide input to help optimize stock levels and ensure smooth inventory management.

Supplier Relations:

• Maintain strong, professional relationships with suppliers to ensure continued cooperation and high-quality service.
• Work closely with suppliers to resolve issues related to order fulfilment or product quality.

Data Management:

• Process large volumes of data efficiently and accurately.
• Ensure that all systems and records are kept up-to-date with relevant order and stock information.

Ethical and Efficient Work Practices:

• Adhere to company policies and ethical practices in all dealings with suppliers and internal teams.
• Strive to maintain optimum stock levels and avoid stockouts or overstock situations.

Requirements

Educational Qualifications:

• Minimum: Matric (High School Diploma).
• Tertiary qualification in a related field (e.g., Supply Chain, Business, or Logistics) is advantageous.

Experience:

• Experience in a buyer or procurement role, preferably within the industrial or fastener sector, is advantageous.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to correspond effectively via email and telephone.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel (ability to manage data, use formulas, and create basic reports).
• Ability to process and manage large volumes of data accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Personal Attributes:

• Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate effectively with various departments (Sales, SCM, etc.).
• Problem-solving mindset with a proactive approach to resolving issues.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Working Conditions

• Full-time, Monday to Friday.
• Office-based with occasional site visits to suppliers as required.

Salary: To be discussed during the interview.

Please do not apply if you do not comply with the minimum requirements.

Please forward CV’s to jaco.b@cosmogroupsa.co.za

Closing date: 30 April 2025.