Technical Buyer

Our client is seeking an experienced Technical Buyer with strong engineering understanding and mining‑sector procurement experience. This role is responsible for the end‑to‑end technical evaluation and sourcing of mining equipment components, spare parts, and specialised items. The successful candidate will act as a critical link between Procurement, Engineering, Aftermarket, and Production, ensuring all technical requirements are accurately interpreted and fulfilled.

This position requires a detail‑driven, analytical individual with strong supplier engagement skills, excellent technical interpretation ability, and the discipline to follow structured procurement processes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Matric / Grade 12

• National Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

• CIPS Level 4 (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply)

• 3–5 years’ technical procurement experience within the mining sector

• Mining Components Sourcing — Experience sourcing and evaluating mining components and spare parts

• Technical Drawing Interpretation — Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and BOMs

• ERP system knowledge

• Understanding of OEM standards, mining safety regulations, and technical compliance

• Strong analytical and technical evaluation skills

• Solid understanding of mining equipment and machinery components

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills

• Cross‑functional collaboration with Engineering, Aftermarket, and Production

• Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines

• Willingness to travel for supplier meetings, sourcing missions, and technical reviews

• Ethical, transparent behaviour and respect for structured processes

Basic Function

• Technical Sourcing — Responsible for end‑to‑end technical evaluation and sourcing of mining equipment spare parts and components

• Support Procurement with both standard and alternative items as defined in supplier SLAs

• Act as the technical liaison between Procurement and Engineering to ensure accurate interpretation of requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Supplier Sourcing — Source and evaluate suppliers for new and alternative parts

• Assess suppliers based on capability, certifications, cost competitiveness, and lead time

• Maintain a category‑based sourcing strategy for all technical commodities

• Collaborate with Engineering to understand drawings, material specs, and product functionality

• Conduct technical assessments to verify compliance with standards

• Support Procurement with complex technical purchases

• Initiate and complete all RTD forms

• Identify cost‑saving opportunities through alternative sourcing and vendor innovation

• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015 requirements

• Resolve discrepancies between Engineering and Procurement

• Assist in supplier audits and qualification processes

• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of product developments and technical trends

• Prepare technical documentation and sourcing reports

• Adhere strictly to the Code of Ethics

Duties & Responsibilities

Project‑Based Sourcing

• Lead technical sourcing within cross‑functional project teams

• Identify and qualify suppliers for project components

• Maintain a detailed database of project information

Technical Evaluation & Specification Compliance

• Review and interpret drawings, specs, and BOMs

• Ensure all sourced parts meet engineering and mining standards

• Maintain a database of specification information

Alternative Sourcing & Obsolescence Management

• Identify obsolete or soon‑to‑be‑obsolete parts

• Source validated alternatives and maintain an approved alternatives database

Cross‑Functional Alignment

• Act as liaison between Procurement, Engineering, and Projects

• Communicate sourcing risks, timelines, and mitigation plans

Supplier Technical Engagement

• Conduct technical discussions with suppliers

• Facilitate supplier visits and audits

• Document engagements and progress reports

Cost & Lead Time Optimisation

• Analyse cost‑saving and lead‑time reduction opportunities

• Support should‑cost analysis during negotiations

• Maintain detailed sourcing information

Documentation & Reporting

• Ensure all technical sourcing documentation is complete

• Provide regular updates to the Procurement Officer

• Record cost savings and cost avoidances monthly

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with industry safety and regulatory standards

• Identify technical risks and support mitigation strategies

Supplier Development

• Conduct supplier evaluations

• Initiate CARs for underperforming suppliers

• Support onboarding of new suppliers

• Ensure supplier scorecards are completed