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Buyer
Location
Durban
Company
Jonsson Workwear
Salary
Undisclosed
Job Type
Not specified
Closing date
📢 Job Overview
Jonsson Workwear is looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Buyer to join its Operations team in Durban. This role focuses on sourcing and procuring premium-quality trims, raw materials, and garment components that contribute to the quality, durability, and performance of Jonsson Workwear products.
The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring timely procurement, supplier relationship management, cost optimisation, and quality assurance while supporting efficient manufacturing processes and customer satisfaction. This position is ideal for individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments and possess strong negotiation, analytical, and organisational skills.
📝 Job Description
As a Buyer, you will be responsible for managing the procurement of trims, components, and materials required for garment production while ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.
Key Responsibilities
✅ Procure high-quality trims and garment components that meet company quality standards.
✅ Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and service providers.
✅ Negotiate competitive pricing, delivery schedules, and favourable procurement terms.
✅ Monitor supplier performance to ensure consistency and reliability.
✅ Analyse procurement data and market trends to support informed purchasing decisions.
✅ Coordinate with internal departments to ensure procurement activities align with production requirements.
✅ Ensure all purchased materials comply with quality specifications.
✅ Manage multiple procurement projects while meeting strict deadlines.
✅ Resolve supplier-related issues efficiently and professionally.
✅ Support inventory planning and supply chain optimisation initiatives.
✅ Maintain accurate purchasing records, reports, and procurement documentation.
✅ Contribute to continuous improvement efforts within the procurement function.
🎯 Minimum Requirements
Educational Requirements
✔ Qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Purchasing, Business Management, Fashion Production, Textile Management, or a related field will be advantageous.
Experience Requirements
✔ Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, sourcing, buying, or supply chain operations.
✔ Experience within manufacturing, apparel, textiles, garments, or production environments will be beneficial.
✔ Proven experience negotiating with suppliers and managing procurement processes.
✔ Exposure to inventory planning and supplier relationship management.
Technical Skills
✔ Strong analytical and reporting abilities.
✔ Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
✔ Strong numerical and commercial acumen.
✔ Ability to interpret procurement data and supplier performance metrics.
✔ Excellent organisational and project management skills.
🌟 Desired Skills & Personal Attributes
🔹 Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
🔹 Excellent attention to detail.
🔹 Customer-focused approach.
🔹 Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
🔹 Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
🔹 Adaptability in a fast-changing environment.
🔹 Proactive problem-solving abilities.
🔹 Effective collaboration and teamwork skills.
🔹 High levels of accountability and professionalism.
🔹 Commitment to quality and operational excellence.
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💰 Salary Estimate
Although Jonsson Workwear has not disclosed the salary, Buyers in South Africa's manufacturing and supply chain sectors typically earn between R22,000 and R45,000 per month, depending on industry experience, procurement expertise, qualifications, and company size.
South Africa's manufacturing, clothing production, and supply chain industries continue to require skilled procurement professionals who can secure quality materials while controlling costs and maintaining supplier relationships. Buyers play a crucial role in ensuring production schedules are met and operational efficiency is maintained.
🎤 Interview Tips, Expected Questions & Answers
Interview Tips
1. Understand Procurement Fundamentals
Be prepared to discuss supplier management, sourcing strategies, and cost-saving initiatives.
2. Demonstrate Negotiation Skills
Provide examples where you successfully negotiated pricing, contracts, or supplier agreements.
3. Highlight Analytical Abilities
Show how you use data and reporting to make informed purchasing decisions.
4. Emphasise Supplier Relationship Management
Strong supplier partnerships are essential for procurement success.
5. Showcase Time Management Skills
Buyers often manage multiple priorities and strict deadlines simultaneously.
🔑 Common Interview Questions and Example Answers
Q1: Why are you interested in a Buyer position?
Example Answer:
"I enjoy working with suppliers, analysing procurement data, and ensuring businesses have the materials they need to operate efficiently."
Q2: How do you evaluate suppliers?
Example Answer:
"I assess suppliers based on quality, pricing, reliability, lead times, service levels, and their ability to meet business requirements."
Q3: Describe a successful negotiation you have completed.
Example Answer:
"I negotiated improved pricing and delivery terms while maintaining a strong supplier relationship, resulting in cost savings and improved service."
Q4: How do you manage procurement deadlines?
Example Answer:
"I use planning tools, monitor supplier performance, communicate proactively, and prioritise critical procurement activities."
Q5: How do you handle supplier performance issues?
Example Answer:
"I communicate concerns professionally, identify root causes, agree on corrective actions, and monitor improvements."
📄 CV Revamp & Job Application Tips
A strong procurement-focused CV can improve your chances of securing interviews.
CV Improvement Tips
1. Highlight Procurement Experience
Clearly describe purchasing, sourcing, supplier management, and inventory-related responsibilities.
2. Quantify Achievements
Examples include:
✔ Reduced procurement costs.
✔ Improved supplier delivery performance.
✔ Negotiated savings.
✔ Streamlined purchasing processes.
3. Optimise for ATS Systems
Include relevant keywords such as:
✔ Buyer
✔ Procurement
✔ Purchasing
✔ Supply Chain
✔ Supplier Management
✔ Strategic Sourcing
✔ Inventory Management
✔ Cost Reduction
✔ Vendor Negotiation
4. Showcase Technical Skills
Include Excel, ERP systems, procurement software, and reporting tools.
5. Tailor Your CV
Match your skills and experience to the job requirements.
6. Include Industry Knowledge
Highlight experience in manufacturing, clothing production, textiles, or related sectors.
7. Keep Formatting Professional
Use clear headings and consistent formatting.
8. Proofread Thoroughly
Ensure your CV is free of errors before submission.
📧 Applicants who would like assistance improving or updating their CV can contact:
info@jobskwazulu.co.za
A professionally optimised CV can improve ATS visibility and increase interview opportunities.
🧩 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does a Buyer do?
A Buyer sources, negotiates, and procures materials or products needed by a business while ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
2. Is procurement experience required?
Yes. Previous experience in buying, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain activities is highly beneficial.
3. Is manufacturing experience important?
Experience in manufacturing, textiles, apparel, or production environments is advantageous.
4. Are negotiation skills important?
Yes. Negotiating pricing, quality, and supplier agreements is a core responsibility of the role.
5. Will I work with suppliers regularly?
Yes. Supplier relationship management is a key aspect of the position.
6. Is this a fast-paced role?
Yes. Buyers often manage multiple projects, suppliers, and deadlines simultaneously.
📈 Career Path & Growth Opportunities
1. Senior Buyer
Senior Buyers manage larger supplier portfolios, strategic sourcing initiatives, and more complex procurement projects.
Estimated Salary: R35,000 – R60,000 per month.
2. Procurement Specialist
Procurement Specialists focus on strategic sourcing, supplier performance management, and procurement optimisation.
Estimated Salary: R40,000 – R70,000 per month.
3. Procurement Manager
Procurement Managers oversee procurement teams, purchasing strategies, supplier relationships, and cost-control initiatives.
Estimated Salary: R50,000 – R90,000 per month.
4. Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Managers manage procurement, logistics, inventory, warehousing, and operational planning functions.
Estimated Salary: R60,000 – R120,000 per month.
5. Head of Procurement
This senior leadership role oversees procurement strategy, supplier partnerships, and company-wide purchasing performance.
Estimated Salary: R90,000 – R180,000+ per month.
Procurement professionals who develop strong commercial, analytical, and leadership skills often enjoy excellent long-term career prospects.
📊 Industry Insights & Job Market Overview
✔ Job Title: Buyer
✔ Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
✔ Industry: Procurement, Supply Chain, Clothing Manufacturing & Workwear Production
South Africa's procurement and supply chain sector plays a vital role in supporting manufacturing, retail, construction, and production industries. As businesses focus on cost efficiency, supplier performance, and operational continuity, the demand for skilled Buyers continues to grow. Organisations increasingly require procurement professionals who can secure quality materials, negotiate favourable terms, and support efficient production processes.
🔍 To find similar jobs, these are terms you can search:
Buyer Jobs Durban, Procurement Officer Vacancies, Purchasing Jobs South Africa, Supply Chain Careers, Strategic Sourcing Jobs, Procurement Specialist Careers, Manufacturing Buyer Jobs, Textile Industry Procurement Vacancies, Vendor Management Careers, Supply Chain Management Jobs.
📨 How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the requirements should submit their application through Jonsson Workwear's official recruitment platform.
Before applying, ensure:
✅ Your CV is fully updated and tailored to procurement roles.
✅ Relevant procurement, sourcing, and supplier management experience is clearly highlighted.
✅ Technical skills and qualifications are included.
✅ Contact details are accurate and current.
⚠️ In line with Jonsson Workwear's Employment Equity commitment, applications from designated groups and persons with disabilities are encouraged.
🔄 Share This Job Post With a Friend
Know someone interested in procurement, purchasing, sourcing, supply chain management, or manufacturing careers? Share this opportunity with friends, family, and colleagues who may be interested.