Project Buyer (New Projects Procurement)

PROJECT BUYER (NEW PROJECTS PROCUREMENT)

Location: Kariega (Uitenhage), Eastern Cape

Position Type: Permanent

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing / Mobility

Department: Procurement – Projects & Central Functions

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

A leading multinational automotive manufacturer is seeking a driven and analytical Project Buyer – New Projects Controlling to join their Procurement team. This role is pivotal in supporting new vehicle projects through effective planning, coordination, controlling, and tracking.

The successful candidate will ensure that all vehicle parts and services are sourced at optimal cost, quality, delivery, and sustainability, strictly aligning with global group purchasing policies and legal standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Cross-Functional Representation: Act as the primary Procurement representative in cross-functional project teams and specialized technical groups (Fachgruppen).

• Part Tracking & Milestones: Track and manage critical and non-critical vehicle parts against established project milestones to safeguard production launch dates.

• Systems Management: Maintain, update, and manage core internal procurement and tracking databases (including TEVON, PROMON, AVON, BEON, KVS).

• Problem Resolution: Raise, manage, and resolve Problem Sheets, Engineering Change Requests (AEKO’s), and Programme Points.

• Timeline Coordination: Coordinate Commitment Meetings and closely monitor agreed part lead times and supplier delivery commitments.

• Reporting & Escalation: Compile, analyze, and present project status and launch reports to leadership; proactively escalate risks that threaten build milestones.

• Stakeholder Interface: Serve as a key liaison between External Suppliers, Engineering, Logistics, Production, and Quality teams.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• BDegree or National Diploma in Purchasing, Logistics, Project Management, Mechanical Engineering, Commerce, or Business Management.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years’ Purchasing experience within the Automotive Manufacturing Industry (Essential).

Technical Skills & Competencies:

• Strong grounding in project management principles and business administration within automotive manufacturing.

• High level of computer literacy (MS Office suite) with working knowledge of automotive project tracking software (PROMON, KVS, TEVON, AVON, BEON or similar OEM systems).

• Ability to interpret complex technical data, engineering specifications, and drawings.

• Strong analytical ability with a track record of data-driven decision-making under pressure.

• Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, presentation, and conflict-resolution skills.

Advantageous:

• German language proficiency.

. Skillset Required: Purchasing, Project Management, Business Administration, MS Office, PROMON, KVS, TEVON, AVON, BEON, Technical Data Interpretation, Engineering Specifications, Drawings, Analytical Skills, Data-Driven Decision Making, Stakeholder Management, Communication, Presentation, Conflict Resolution, German Language, Problem Solving, Timeline Coordination, Commitment Meetings Coordination, Reporting, Escalation