Technical Buyer (Mining Engineering)

1. Minimum Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric)
• Diploma or Certificate in:
  • Supply Chain Management (Optional)
  • Procurement
  • Logistics
  • Business Administration (advantageous)
• Computer literacy:
  • SYSPRO 8 (Optional)
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook / Teams
  • Document systems such as RTO or Similar

2. Experience Requirements

• Minimum 2–5 years procurement or buying experience
• Experience in mining / construction / heavy equipment industry / Drilling / Crushing and Screening preferred
• Knowledge of procurement of:
  • Earthmoving equipment parts
  • Workshop consumables
  • Tyres
  • GET components
  • Undercarriages
  • Hydraulic components
  • Electrical parts
  • Steel and fabrication items
  • Farm Equipment

3. Core Responsibilities

A Procurement Buyer must:

Requisition Management

• Receive and review purchase requisitions
• Confirm:
  • Correct part numbers
  • Machine serial numbers
  • Urgency (breakdown vs planned)

Supplier Sourcing

• Obtain minimum 3 quotes where possible
• Source from approved supplier list

Purchase Order Creation

• Generate Purchase Orders in SYSPRO
• Ensure:
  • Correct supplier
  • Correct pricing
  • Correct GL allocation
  • Delivery location

Follow-Up

• Track supplier delivery
• Follow up on urgent breakdown orders
• Goods return

Documentation Control

• Upload supporting documentation to RTO system
• Maintain:
  • Quotes
  • Approvals
  • Purchase orders
  • Delivery notes

4. Financial Controls

Buyers must ensure:

• Compliance with Levels of Authority
• Correct GL allocation
• Cost control and price comparison
• Avoid duplicate purchasing
• Manage credit notes and warranty claims

5. Compliance Requirements

Buyers must comply with:

• Trollope Procurement Procedures
• Company Level of Authority
• ISO 45001 & ISO 14001 requirements
• Internal audit requirements
• Mine client procurement standards

Documentation must always be audit ready.

6. Safety Responsibilities

Even in procurement, buyers must support safety by:

• Procuring approved safety equipment
• Ensuring correct specifications
• Avoiding substandard suppliers
• Supporting SHEQ compliance

7. Communication Requirements

Buyers must communicate effectively with:

• Workshop Foremen
• Workshop Managers
• Plant Managers
• Stores personnel
• Suppliers
• Finance department

Clear communication is critical during breakdowns or urgent orders.

8. Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Buyer performance can be measured by:

• Purchase order turnaround time
• Cost savings achieved
• Supplier delivery performance
• Documentation compliance
• Number of emergency purchases
• Accuracy of orders placed

9. Key Skills Required

A buyer must demonstrate:

• Negotiation skills
• Strong administration ability
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving
• Time management: Working Hours 07:00 to 17:00, willing to work Standby, Weekends and overtime when required.
• Supplier relationship management
• Understanding and familiar with Parts Manuals (Electronic and Softcopy)

10. Ethical Requirements

Buyers must follow strict ethical procurement standards:

• No conflict of interest
• No supplier gifts or incentives
• Transparent supplier selection
• Fair procurement practices