Technical Buyer

Introduction

Fives Services - South Africa is actively seeking a full time Technical Buyer to join its teams in Richards Bay, South Africa.  

At Fives, we are all driven by a common calling, to prove that industry can do it! We work together daily to make industry an answer to all of the major technological, environmental, social and economic challenges of our time. 

How do we do that? For over 200 years, we’ve invented and designed the solutions and  technologies that substantially and sustainably improve everyone’s daily life. 

Fives Services Southern Africa & Fives Services Mzansi are the Fives service centers for South Africa and Mozambique, providing support in project execution, engineering and local parts sourcing.  

We continually strive to create a company culture that values employees, encouraging work-life balance and professional growth. 

Job Content

It is with you, that industry can do it !   

We are currently seeking a Technical Buyer, who has the same desire to prove that  industry can do it!  

The Technical Buyer plays a vital role in sourcing and procuring specialized goods and services that meet the organization’s technical, quality, cost, and delivery requirements. This position involves working closely with engineering, production, and finance teams to ensure purchased items align with project specifications and operational goals.

The Technical Buyer is responsible for identifying suppliers, issuing RFQs, analysing bids, negotiating contracts, and managing vendor relationships. Success in this role requires a strong understanding of technical products, market trends, and procurement best practices. Precision, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment are essential.

Primary purpose of this role is to ensure timely procurement of products and services to support on-time delivery to customers by:
- Analysing requirements, negotiating and purchasing spare parts, and expediting orders.
- Managing suppliers according to company procedures.
- Supporting engineering with project pricing.
- Ensuring sufficient stock for repairs.

 At Fives we all have a part to play in achieving our common purpose. The Technical Buyer will:  

• Prepare price estimations and RFQs.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to define requirements.
• Obtain and interpret drawings, BOMs, and specifications, including paint specifications of spares from Engineering.  Must adhere/comply with Safety Instructions on drawing.
• Prepare estimation sheets (BOMs) on SAP and Excel for Spare Parts, repairable and sub-assemblies.
• Assist engineering with pricing on projects for manufactured items and specific equipment rental.
• Assist the Supplier evaluation team with sourcing and evaluating suppliers for technical goods and services.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with vendors.
• Analyse the local availability of material and propose equivalent materials to Engineering department for approval.
• Develop local sourcing with QA/QC and Engineering.
• Place purchase orders including Engineering Scope of Work and Quality Control Plans.
• Order tools, consumables and items for the maintenance of buildings, vehicles etc. when required.
• Analyse stock of items for repairable and define re-ordering quantities monthly.
• Expedite all orders placed and manage suppliers with KPI's.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve quality or delivery issues. Update supplier delivery progress weekly.
• Evaluate engineering and manufacturing suppliers on a quarterly basis.
• Participate and comply with Supplier and Contractor Management requirements.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation.
• Work on cost saving initiatives for the company.
• Work in accordance with and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.

At Fives Services and under the direction of the Spare Parts manager, you will join the Commercial team. 

Requirements

We are seeking someone who has a purchasing qualification and preferably a technical qualification (engineer or artisan), with 5 - 7 years of experience in an engineering / manufacturing environment. Previous SAP exposure will be beneficial.  If you meet these minimum requirements and consider your self to be a results driven, motivated candidate, then we are eager to change the world with you! 

Competencies: 

• Cost reduction objective with suppliers
• On time quotations from suppliers
• On time delivery from suppliers
• Quarterly evaluation of suppliers
• Ensure sufficient stock levels for all maintenance equipment
• Bills of Material interpretation
• Interpretation of engineering drawings
• Knowledge of Raw materials in relation to engineering & Steel manufacturing environment

If this is you, come join us, too !  

Why come to Fives ?  

 By becoming part of Fives, you will be joining an international group that will provide you  access to numerous opportunities for growth and mobility, in a wide number of fields.  

We will give you room to learn, grow and develop, both professionally and personally,  thanks to our onboarding and support programs. You will enjoy a number of benefits such as 50% company contribution to your medical aid and retirement annuity; death, disability and funeral cover aswell as a 13th cheque. 

Industry can do it with you !