{"id":3942120,"url":"https://alion.io/job/ag-lubricants-technical-buyer","title":"Technical Buyer","company":{"id":4526689,"name":"AG Lubricants","domain":null,"url":"https://alion.io/company/ag-lubricants","size_band":null,"is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":null,"truth_index":null},"role":"Operations","role_family":"Operations","seniority":null,"employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Boksburg, South Africa"],"countries":["ZA"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-11-08T14:01:02Z","employer_posted_date":null,"last_verified_at":"2026-11-08T14:01:02Z","board_verified":false,"closed_at":null,"days_open":3,"trust":{"level":"not_scored","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":3},"description":"Introduction\nAs our Technical Buyer, you will be at the heart of our procurement operations — sourcing, purchasing, and managing the supply of technical, engineering, maintenance, production, and operational materials essential to the efficient functioning of our blending plant. From raw materials and spare parts to machinery components and services, you will ensure uninterrupted supply while driving cost efficiency, quality standards, and strong supplier performance.\n\nDuties & Responsibilities\nProcurement & Sourcing\n\n Source and procure technical, engineering, maintenance, and plant operational materials\n\n Purchase raw materials, additives, packaging, and consumables for blending operations\n\n Obtain and evaluate supplier quotations to ensure best value, quality, and delivery\n\n Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, and service agreements\n\n Build and maintain strategic relationships with approved suppliers\n\nInventory & Supply Management\n\n Monitor inventory levels and ensure timely replenishment of critical stock items\n\n Collaborate with warehouse and production teams to prevent stock shortages and disruptions\n\n Manage reorder points, safety stock levels, and demand forecasts\n\n Identify opportunities for inventory optimisation through purchasing trend analysis\n\nTechnical Procurement\n\n Procure plant equipment, spare parts, pumps, valves, motors, instrumentation, electrical components, and maintenance-related items\n\n Interpret technical specifications, engineering drawings, and equipment manuals\n\n Liaise with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to define technical requirements and suitable alternatives\n\n Ensure all purchased items comply with plant and operational specifications\n\nSupplier Management\n\n Conduct supplier evaluations and performance reviews\n\n Identify and qualify new suppliers to strengthen supply security and reduce costs\n\n Monitor delivery performance, quality compliance, and service levels\n\n Resolve supplier issues related to quality, delivery, invoicing, and warranty claims\n\nCost Control & Continuous Improvement\n\n Identify cost-saving opportunities through strategic sourcing and negotiations\n\n Support procurement improvement initiatives and process optimisation projects\n\n Track key procurement KPIs including savings, supplier performance, and inventory turnover\n\n Contribute to annual budgeting and cost forecasting activities\n\nCompliance & Administration\n\n Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies and procedures\n\n Maintain accurate purchasing records, contracts, and supplier documentation\n\n Process purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and supplier invoices accurately\n\n Ensure compliance with ISO, SHEQ, and applicable regulatory requirements\n\nDesired Experience & Qualification\nEducation\n\n Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Engineering, Logistics, or a related field\n\n 3–5 years' experience in technical purchasing within a manufacturing, chemical, lubricant, blending, or industrial environment\n\n Proven experience purchasing engineering spares, production materials, and maintenance items\n\n Hands-on ERP system experience (SAP, Syspro, Sage, Oracle, or similar)\n\n Own reliable vehicle \n\nTechnical Knowledge\n\n Understanding of blending plant operations and manufacturing processes\n\n Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation components\n\n Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications\n\n Strong understanding of inventory management and procurement principles\n\nTechnical\n\n Strategic sourcing and contract negotiation\n\n Supplier relationship management\n\n Inventory control and cost analysis\n\n ERP systems proficiency\n\n Strong technical product knowledge\n\nBehavioural\n\n Strong analytical and problem-solving skills\n\n Excellent negotiation and communication abilities\n\n High attention to detail and accuracy\n\n Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines\n\n Collaborative team player with cross-functional working ability\n\n Strong organisational and planning skills\n\n High level of integrity and 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