Picture the space between a factory floor and a supplier's shelf. Someone has to stand in that space and keep the traffic moving in both directions, so the right part reaches the right hand at the right time. That is this role in a nutshell.

Our client, an established name in industrial manufacturing, is looking for a Senior Technical Supply Officer who can be that steady hand: part technical expert, part supply chain strategist, and part translator between engineering drawings and procurement decisions. If your have a mechanical engineering background, an eye for detail sharp enough to spot a costly bill of materials error before it happens, and a genuine curiosity about how things are made, this role is for you...

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as the SU specialist, facilitating and expediting urgent subsequent deliveries
• Maintain accurate technical data and complete purchasing master data for all purchased items
• Localise purchased items and assemblies, identifying suitable local alternatives independently
• Provide technical consulting and advisory support to internal partners and customers on purchased item specifications
• Analyse bills of materials to optimise purchased parts, flagging long lead time items early and driving measures to reduce them
• Take the lead on make or buy decisions
• Create, update and manage purchasing norms and corresponding master data
• Specify and configure technical requirements for factory orders (machines and parts)
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing to shorten lead times, lower costs and protect quality standards
• Facilitate SAP training and upskilling for the wider procurement team
• Lead projects to optimise the client's supply chain
• Lead and develop the Technical Supply Management team

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Grade 12 (matric), mandatory
• A relevant technical qualification preferably in in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• Minimum of 8 years' total working experience, including at least 5 years in a manufacturing or related environment with solid knowledge of the local supply market
• SAP experience is essential and non negotiable
• Proficient in MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• A genuine flair for technical topics

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES:

• High attention to detail and a strong sense of accuracy
• Comfortable multitasking and managing competing priorities in a fast paced environment
• Strong work ethic paired with a team player mentality
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a small team
• Sound time management and organisational skills, with the discipline to prioritise
• A willingness to share knowledge and build up a capable successor
• Flexible and adaptable when duties shift or expand
• A self starter who works independently and takes initiative
• Results driven, with strong written and verbal communication skills

KEY INTERFACES:

• Internal: Project Fulfilment, Shipping, Despatch, Manufacturing, Customer Services and Financial Services
• External: Other divisions within the group internationally, and key suppliers