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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Lead technical sourcing within cross-functional project teams

• Identify and qualify suppliers for project components

• Maintain a detailed database of project information

• Review and interpret drawings, specs, and BOMs

• Ensure all sourced parts meet engineering and mining standards

• Maintain a database of specification information

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

• Source validated alternatives and maintain an approved alternatives database

• Act as liaison between Procurement, Engineering, and Projects

• Communicate sourcing risks, timelines, and mitigation plans

• Conduct technical discussions with suppliers

• Facilitate supplier visits and audits

• Document engagements and progress reports

• Analyse cost-saving and lead-time reduction opportunities

• Support should‑cost analysis during negotiations

• Maintain detailed sourcing information

• Ensure all technical sourcing documentation is complete

• Provide regular updates to the Procurement Officer

• Record cost savings and cost avoidances monthly

• Ensure compliance with industry safety and regulatory standards

• Identify technical risks and support mitigation strategies

• Conduct supplier evaluations

• Initiate CARs for underperforming suppliers

• Support onboarding of new suppliers

• Ensure supplier scorecards are completed