Foreign Buyer

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

The Buyer: Foreign will be responsible for managing all foreign procurement activities, ensuring timely and accurate purchasing of materials in line with production schedules and sales demands. This role requires strong knowledge of international purchasing practices, freight forwarding, and INCOTERMS, as well as the ability to work under pressure and maintain supplier relationships.

? Basic Functions

• Generate foreign purchase orders in line with production and sales requirements
• Manage back-order reports and expedite orders
• Handle shipping documentation and freight forwarding processes
• Provide ad-hoc assistance as required

? Key Responsibilities

Quality

• Adhere to company and customer standards, policies, and procedures
• Ensure supplier interactions reflect dedication to quality and customer satisfaction

Security/Safety

• Safeguard confidential company and customer information
• Comply with company safety instructions and requirements

Housekeeping & Standards

• Maintain cleanliness and safety in work areas and warehouse locations
• Use appropriate PPE and report any safety or environmental concerns

Training & Development

• Continuously develop skills and stay updated with new technologies

Foreign Purchase Orders

• Submit purchase orders to international suppliers based on RTP or buying reports
• Ensure timely procurement aligned with production schedules and sales demands
• Verify accuracy of purchase orders and attach supporting quotes when required
• Develop contingency sourcing plans for unavailable goods
• Investigate price discrepancies and ensure accurate system updates
• Follow up weekly with suppliers on outstanding orders
• Maintain audit-ready records of purchase orders and reports

Expediting

• Oversee expediting process to ensure timely delivery of foreign orders
• Communicate delivery delays promptly to relevant departments
• Consolidate purchase orders to minimize costs
• Obtain approval from Supply Chain Manager or Procurement Officer before expediting

Shipping

• Obtain minimum three quotations from freight forwarders
• Create purchase orders aligned with freight forwarder estimates
• Verify accuracy of shipping documentation and invoices
• Provide necessary shipping documents to warehouse team upon arrival
• Ensure complete bill pack and purchase order are sent to finance after receipt

Cost Savings

• Ensure competitive pricing at all times

Policies & Projects

• Adhere to company policies and procedures
• Assist management with ad-hoc projects

Minimum Requirements

• Matric/Grade 12
• Tertiary qualification in Purchasing
• Minimum 2 years’ procurement experience in mining and engineering industries
• Extensive purchasing experience
• Proficient in MS Office
• Knowledge of international purchasing practices, foreign exchange, freight forwarding, and INCOTERMS
• Ability to perform under pressure and meet deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and administrative skills
• Ability to work independently with high responsibility

Skills and Personal Attributes

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Analytical thinker with problem-solving abilities
• Customer-focused and accountable
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Commitment to safety, compliance, and quality standards