Purchasing Agent -Fixed term contract

Reports to: Procurement Manager

• Research select and purchase quality products and services.
• Ensure accurate administration of the requisition, purchase order and GRV process to eliminate payment related issues.
• Purchase goods, materials, components or services in line with specified cost, quality and delivery targets.
• Assess quality of order fulfilment and escalate any discrepancies to suppliers and management.
• Support the purchasing function and other relevant departments and communicate any supply problems which may impact on business operations.
• Conduct periodic site visits to obtain visibility of school calendars to be proactive in procurement planning.
• Monitor market trends, competitor strategies and market suppliers.
• Provide analysis on costs, new and existing and review cost reduction activities.
• Prepare reports and updates as and when required.
• Work closely with others in the procurement function and review opportunities for continuous improvement and business improvements.
• Negotiate quotations to improve prices and terms of business with suppliers and review opportunities to make business savings utilising negotiation and procurement best practice tools and methods.
• Ensure compliance to company guidelines, BBBEE strategy, industry legislation, purchasing policies and procedures.

• Build, maintain and manage supplier relationships, keep up good communications and negotiate best pricing.
• Ensure that a professional and consistent approach is taken in relation to all supplier relationships.
• Provide data to contracts management relating to supplier performance to enable evaluations.
• Act as an interface between suppliers and other relevant departments on purchasing processes and new projects and activities.
• Contact suppliers to resolve price, quality, delivery or invoice issues.

• Minimum - Bachelors degree (Supply Chain Management preferred).
• Beneficial - Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or similar qualification or studying towards CIPS qualification.

• Previous experience of working in a purchasing team preferably within an education environment.
• Experience of working closely with suppliers - between 3-5 years experience as a buyer.

• Critical thinking and negotiation skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Solid analytical skills, with the ability to create financial reports and conduct cost analyses.
• Able to reduce costs and contribute to business improvements.
• Able to build and maintain effective and productive relationships with suppliers and key stakeholders.
• Analytical, numerically astute with strong demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
• Able to manage time effectively, prioritise tasks and achieve set targets.
• Able to work well under pressure and handle emergency and stressful situations.
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Familiarity with an integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system would be beneficial.
• Computer literate, with advanced Excel skills/abilities.