Senior Buyer

Reporting to the Procurement Superintendent, the Senior Buyer is responsible for the timely, cost-effective procurement and supply of the correct goods to sites.

Responsabilities

Purchasing:

• Manage end-to-end purchasing process for the site particularly complex and high-value items and the site’s network of suppliers.
• Manage, oversee and prepare Request for Quotations (RFQ’s), Purchase Requisitions (PR’s) and Purchase Orders (PO’s) for purchasing goods.
• Place purchase orders for stock items, ensuring that the purchasing process conforms to EAM and Supply Chain Management policy and procedures.
• Place purchase orders for services, stock & none-stock items, ensuring that the purchasing process conforms to company ERP and Supply Chain Management policy and procedures
• Enter data within the ERP pricing category’s ensuring information is accurate and up-to-date.
• Ensure the accuracy of purchase orders information and reporting to management any discrepancies.
• Liaise with suppliers on stock availability and raise any delivery delay issues as they occur.
• Keep vendors and internal customers informed as to stock movements.
• Ensure an audit trail of purchasing activities is maintained.
• Prepare weekly reports in EAM to report on status of ordered items and effectively communicated to all parties at all times.
• Support local businesses to be selected for purchasing requirements for the mine.
• Assist the Procurement Superintendent and Contract Administrator with Vendor/Contractor performance evaluation.
• Ensure that Company Policies and Procedures are followed at all times.
• Look for and facilitate operational methods to improve the supply chain and to minimize downtime and delays.
• Assess the specifications and determine the best suppliers in terms of the policy and procedures.
• Summarize tenders/quotes and make recommendations for placement of the orders.
• Follow up on quotations and recommendations done to the users and consult on authorization/approval to proceed with the order/transaction where necessary.
• Process purchase orders and present to the Procurement Superintendent for authorization as required.
• Assess the urgency of the delivery requirement and determine the mode of transport; air, courier, sea and/or road in agreement with end users.
• In the case of a new supplier, obtain credit applications and process and submit to the accounts department after having received approval from management.
• Keep track of orders placed and expedite deliveries.
• Co-ordinate arrangements and oversee all cargo consolidations and urgent deliveries to site.
• Supply all relevant documentation to the shipping and freight forwarding agents as well as to customs agents to facilitate Optimum clearing and delivery of all goods.
• Report any losses, damages, discrepancies, short deliveries or incorrect deliveries to the relevant parties and ensure that the situation is corrected.
• Manage all returns to suppliers for re-supply and repairs and ensure re-delivery to site.
• Ensure that all purchase requisitions and orders have the required signatures according to procedures and policies

Staff Development:

• Provide supervision, guidance, coaching and technical assistance and support to the team.
• Monitor and evaluate the team’s performance to identify areas requiring improvement and implement training and coaching measures to ensure employees receive sufficient training enabling them to perform their duties in a safe and efficient manner.
• Promote and develop subordinates’ skills through the transfer of technology and skill development through on-the-job training programs.
• Conduct formal career development discussions with employees and identify development opportunities and programs that assist with defining future career progression possibilities.
• Encourage and facilitate effective and supportive communication between all team members and related departments.

Safety Management:

• Demonstrate personal commitment in regard to safety and environmental and Social Responsibility practices.
• Ensure that agreed procedures, safeguards and controls are applied and used.
• Ensure all activities are conducted safely and in accordance with Company standards and procedures
• Ensure hazard management plans are observed.
• Keep statutory and internal reporting as required.

The duties and responsibilities listed above are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and not necessarily all inclusive.

Requirements

• Minimum Bac+3 / Bac+4 in Supply Chain Management, Technical, Business Management or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a Purchasing role in a remote mining environment.
• Strong communication, organisation and personnel skills, strong analytical capabilities, sound business sense, advanced documentation skills with high attention to detail.
• French / English language skills essential
• Proficient in ERP systems and excellent knowledge of Excel
• Preference for west African experience
• Experience of working effectively in a senior management team environment
• Experience working in multicultural environment
• Able to communicate effectively at all levels of the organisation and build effective relationships and network
• Demonstrate strong conceptual skills, and be capable of developing lateral practical solutions
• Ability to respond to a changing work environment
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks at the same time
• Reputation for integrity and ethics
• Demonstrated leadership skills