Buying Officer

Company Description

De Beers Upstream Technology

Upstream Technology has operations in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa and is part of the De Beers Group. We deliver technical services and technology systems to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the De Beers Diamond value chain from exploration to diamond recovery. Activities include marine geophysical survey, sampling, mining, projects, engineering, technology development and maintenance. We provide specialized diamond processing and recovery technology for the De Beers Group Exploration and Mining Operations.

We are the industry leader in marine mining practices resulting in the most successful and advanced marine mining equipment and operations globally.

Reporting to the responsible Procurement Practitioner, the Buying Officer, as part of the DBM Supply Chain team, will be an integral support to the Technical Services Shutdown Unit, operating within the Port of Cape Town.

The main purpose of the role for the incumbent will be all purchasing requirements of the Technical Services Shutdown Unit and to support the Procurement function accordingly, from requisition to pay. This entails the purchasing of goods and/or capital equipment and services, sourcing of new vendors, benchmarking of pricing, management of commercial risk, maintaining adherence to policies and procedures, ensuring that value for money is maximized and cost savings are generated for the company.

• Survey the market for best source of supply, contact potential suppliers and negotiate trade terms and discount structures and most favourable lead times
• Evaluate quotes/tenders and make recommendations based on best commercial and technical factors
• Responsible for technical purchasing from requisition to pay and propose master contracts where required
• Minimise lead time variances according to customer requirements by administering the pre/post expediting process to ensure timely delivery of goods or services
• Suggest substitutes if items/services ordered are unavailable, or if a more economic product is technically suitable
• Ensure strict adherence to procurement policies and procedures as well as legislation in respect of importation of goods
• Prioritise urgent order requests
• Review price variances and ensure that they are investigated and brought to the attention of the responsible Procurement Practitioner and Supply Chain Manager and that SAP information is accurate
• Liaise with suppliers in respect of commercial and/or technical clarifications and queries
• Be required to align with the Shutdown working hours, which entails extended hours during vessel shutdowns.

• Knowledge of SAP ERP System
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Negotiating and networking skills
• Good inter-personal skills
• Ability to analyse and interpret information
• Strong on governance, policy & procedures
• Customer & service orientation
• Detailed orientation
• Technology driven
• Commercial acumen
• Supply Chain administration
• Ability to add value, reduce costs and make business improvements
• Ability to utilise latest technology in execution of daily duties

• Relevant business/commercial degree or diploma in Purchasing / Supply Chain Management is required.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience Purchasing in a mining/engineering environment is required.
• SAP ERP System experience and knowledge is required.
• Member of accredited purchasing body, Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) would be advantageous.

De Beers Group is a company with a sparkling future.

Our experts have searched the world for nature’s most precious gem. Our diamonds bring beauty to the world. But we think they can do so much more. We want our diamonds, and our business, to make life brilliant – for our people, our customers and the world around us.

Safety first is a way of life for us. We are unconditional about the safety, health and well-being of our colleagues, at work and at home, and about that of the communities where we work. We aim to lead the industry by investing in innovation to protect people, who are at the heart of our…