Tactical (Technical) Purchaser

SUMMARY:
An international maritime technology and engineering group operating across the dredging, offshore, mining and defence sectors is looking for an experienced Tactical (Technical) Purchaser to join its Procurement team in Cape Town.

POSITION INFO:
The successful candidate will be responsible for the sourcing and procurement of technical components, equipment, project items, spare parts, services and raw materials, while managing suppliers, commercial negotiations, costs and delivery timelines.

We are particularly interested in technically qualified candidates with a Mechanical, Electrical or related Engineering Diploma/Degree, combined with proven experience in mechanical estimating, proposals/tendering and strategic or technical procurement. The ideal candidate will be commercially minded, technically astute and comfortable working closely with Engineering and Project teams.

Minimum Requirements

• 5+ years’ experience in procurement, purchasing, sourcing and supply chain.
• Diploma/Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering.
• Proven experience in technical/strategic procurement, preferably within engineering, manufacturing, mining, marine and project-based environments.
• Proven experience in mechanical estimating, proposals, tendering or project costing.
• Strong supplier management and commercial negotiation experience.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, engineering drawings, BOMs and commercial documentation.
• Solid understanding of procurement, sourcing and supply chain processes.
• Experience working with ERP systems – IFS preferred; SAP advantageous.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical, planning, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Experience dealing with local and international suppliers.
• CIPS or recognised procurement qualification.
• Experience in fabrication sourcing, project procurement or capital equipment procurement.
• Experience in mining, marine, manufacturing or heavy engineering.
• Experience dealing with local and international suppliers.
• CIPS or recognised procurement qualification.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage RFQs, supplier evaluations, bid comparisons and supplier selection.
• Source technical components, equipment, raw materials, services and spare parts.
• Review technical specifications, BOMs and engineering drawings to determine procurement requirements.
• Apply mechanical estimating and technical knowledge when evaluating quotations and sourcing solutions.
• Support proposals, tenders and project procurement activities.
• Identify alternative suppliers and cost-saving and value-engineering opportunities.
• Develop procurement plans and manage long-lead items and supply risks.
• Monitor purchase orders, supplier performance, costs and delivery schedules.
• Build and maintain strong local and international supplier relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules and contractual conditions.
• Conduct market research, supplier benchmarking and cost analysis.
• Manage procurement transactions and reporting through ERP systems.
• Work closely with Engineering, Projects, Workshop, Logistics, Finance, Quality and Operations to ensure technical, commercial and project requirements are met.

To Apply