Engineering Buyer

Role Purpose

The Engineering Buyer is responsible for procurement of engineering spares, equipment, services, and consumables required to support mining and processing operations. The role ensures cost‑effective, timely, and compliant sourcing of materials while supporting plant availability, maintenance execution, and production continuity.

Key Responsibilities

• Procurement & Purchasing
• Source and procure engineering materials, spares, equipment, and services for mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and processing plant needs.
• Convert approved requisitions into purchase orders in line with procurement procedures.
• Ensure on‑time delivery of critical spares to support maintenance and production schedules.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliability and service continuity.

Supplier Management & Sourcing

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard approved suppliers and OEMs.
• Obtain and evaluate quotes to ensure competitive pricing and technical compliance.
• Support contract sourcing, blanket orders, and call‑off agreements.
• Monitor supplier performance and address delivery, quality, or service issues.

Cost Control & Commercial Support

• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial terms where authorized.
• Support cost‑reduction and value‑optimization initiatives.
• Ensure purchases align with approved budgets and cost controls.
• Identify high‑value or high‑risk items requiring early engagement and expediting.

Engineering & Technical Interface

• Work closely with engineering, maintenance, and planning teams to understand technical requirements.
• Ensure purchased items meet engineering specifications, standards, and quality requirements.
• Clarify technical details with suppliers and OEMs as required.
• Support sourcing of obsolete, long‑lead, or critical equipment.
• Support Rotables and Reparable drive to entrench Quality and Cost Optimisations.

Inventory & Stores Coordination

• Coordinate with stores to ensure correct receipt, inspection, and storage of materials.
• Support inventory optimization by balancing availability with working capital targets.
• Identify critical spares and long‑lead items for forward planning.
• Assist with standardisation initiatives to reduce spares complexity.

Compliance, Governance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and procedures.
• Adhere to ethical procurement standards and segregation of duties.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, contracts, and supplier documentation.
• Support internal and external audits.

Expediting & Logistics Support

• Expedite critical orders to prevent production or maintenance delays.
• Coordinate logistics, transport, and delivery schedules where required.
• Resolve supply chain challenges including shortages, delays, and quality issues.
• Reporting & Continuous Improvement
• Track procurement KPIs such as on‑time delivery, cost savings, and supplier performance.
• Prepare procurement and spend reports for engineering and management teams.
• Support continuous improvement in procurement processes and systems.

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Engineering, or related field.
• 3–5 years' experience in engineering procurement, preferably in mining or heavy industry.
• Strong understanding of engineering spares and equipment.
• Experience working with ERP / procurement systems.

Desirable

• Experience in zinc or base‑metal mining operations.
• Exposure to underground mining and/or mineral processing plants.
• Knowledge of OEM supply chains and long‑lead item management.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial and negotiation skills
• Good understanding of engineering and maintenance requirements
• High attention to detail and strong documentation discipline
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under time pressure
• Strong communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills
• Ethical, professional, and results‑driven mindset

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On‑time delivery of engineering materials
• Procurement cost savings and value creation
• Supplier performance and reliability
• Purchase order accuracy and compliance
• Support to plant availability and maintenance execution