Junior Buyer at Volkswagen Group South Africa

Job Description and Responsibilities    

• Applying financial, accounting and economic knowledge to evaluate pricing.
• Benchmarking; Global Competitive Sourcing; Supplier Negotiations 
• Evaluation of suppliers and negotiation of prices and terms, service delivery and quality whilst maintaining regulatory and quality standards
• Achieve monthly and year-on-year savings
• Preparation of RFQ, Purchase order and Contract documentation
• Maintaining current supplier base and establishing new suppliers to achieve cost and service optimisation through benchmarking and market research.
• Preparation of documentation and information on Group systems and presentation of high value projects
• Involvement in video conferences and necessary contact with members of other VW Group Companies to discuss related matters.
• Adjudication of tenders based on procedural requirements to ensure competitive and fair supplier selection.
• Actively participate in development of commodity strategy, sourcing/negotiations, global/regional budget execution, and interface with Suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Education and Experience    

• Degree/Diploma in the following disciplines – Purchasing, Commerce, Finance, Business Management
• 1 – 2 years automotive work experience (OEM)

Skills, Attributes & Other requirements    

ESSENTIAL:

• Negotiation & Problem solving skills
• Ability to interpret commercial and general engineering data
• Skilled in Financial Analysis / Costing / Presentations
• Customer Interface and Conflict Management skills
• Have strong administrative and analytical skills
• Have the ability to work under pressure, set and achieve timing plans
• Have good  oral and written communication skills in English (German would be an advantage)
• Be computer literate - MS Office competency is essential
• Understanding of production processes

PREFERRED:

• Preferable experience at a Multi-National company or large South African company
• Have a valid Driver’s License
• General Purchasing (non-production buying) experience beneficial