Senior Buyer – Construction, Plant & Logistics

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Role Overview The Buyer – Construction, Plant & Logistics is responsible for procuring materials, plant, equipment, and services for construction projects, while managing company plant assets and coordinating logistics to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and timeous delivery to sites.   The overarching objective is to procure materials and services at rates below the awarded tender BOQ in order to maximise gross profit percentage across the full lifecycle of each project.   Reporting Structure Reports to: Commercial Manager – Johannesburg Second level: Managing Director – Johannesburg Subordinates: Various   Key Responsibilities Procurement & Buying (Primary – 60%) Source, negotiate, and procure construction materials, consumables, plant, equipment, and subcontracted services Obtain competitive quotations and evaluate suppliers on cost, quality, delivery, and compliance Issue purchase orders in line with company procedures and project budgets Ensure uninterrupted supply of materials to construction sites to avoid project delays Maintain accurate procurement records and update BuildSmart or relevant procurement systems   Plant Management Manage the company's owned and hired plant and equipment fleet Coordinate plant allocation, mobilisation, demobilisation, and utilisation across sites Track plant availability, usage, maintenance schedules, and costs Liaise with plant hire companies for short and long-term rental requirements Support plant cost recovery, hire charges, and internal allocation reporting   Logistics & Transport Coordination Plan and coordinate transportation of materials, plant, and equipment to and from sites Schedule deliveries in line with site programmes and construction milestones Manage third-party transporters and in-house logistics resources Optimise logistics costs through route planning, consolidated loads, and supplier coordination   Supplier & Stakeholder Management Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, plant hire companies, and transport providers Source and support local and BBBEE-compliant suppliers where required Liaise with site managers, quantity surveyors, and finance teams Conduct supplier performance reviews and resolve disputes or claims   Cost Control & Commercial Support Monitor procurement, plant, and logistics costs against budgets Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or programme Assist with pricing, benchmarking, and supplier comparisons Support audits and commercial reporting as required   Compliance, Risk & Governance Ensure procurement and plant activities comply with company policies, contractual obligations, and industry standards Maintain accurate documentation for audits and project close-out   Requirements Experience 5–8 years buying\/procurement experience within the construction or civil engineering industry (essential) Proven experience managing plant, equipment, and construction logistics (essential) Experience working on live construction sites (essential) BBBEE supplier sourcing experience (advantageous)   Qualifications Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics, Construction Management, or similar (desirable) CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS (desirable)   Skills & Competencies Strong negotiation and commercial acumen Proficient in ERP systems – BuildSmart, SAP, Sage, CCS – and MS Excel Solid understanding of construction materials, plant, and logistics Cost control and budgeting skills Supplier and stakeholder management Problem analysis and resolution High attention to detail and strong administrative capability Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities under pressure Results-driven, proactive, and able to work independently Clear communicator – written and verbal   Work Environment Hours: 45–50 hours per week Location: Johannesburg Head Office Travel: Approximately 10% travel to construction sites Work setting: Primarily office-based (75% seated); occasional site visits