Procurement & Import Specialist | Sandton

Job Description

• A pioneering electric vehicle manufacturer is seeking an experienced and technically competent Procurement & Imports Specialist to support the development and production of the world's first purpose-built electric game-drive vehicle.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing automotive components, managing local and international suppliers, coordinating imports, and ensuring the timely delivery of quality parts at competitive costs.
• This is a hands-on role requiring close collaboration with Engineering, Production, Finance, Logistics, and external suppliers to support a growing manufacturing operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Source automotive components, materials, assemblies, tooling, and production consumables from local and international suppliers
• Interpret bills of materials (BOMs), technical drawings, specifications, and engineering requirements to ensure accurate sourcing and purchasing decisions
• Identify, evaluate, onboard, and manage suppliers to support operational and production requirements
• Obtain and compare quotations based on price, quality, lead time, payment terms, minimum order quantities, and supply risk
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, lead times, and commercial terms with suppliers
• Issue purchase orders and manage them through to final delivery
• Manage end-to-end importation of components from international suppliers
• Coordinate freight forwarders, clearing agents, couriers, and transport providers to ensure efficient logistics execution
• Ensure commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and customs documentation are complete and accurate
• Monitor international shipments and proactively resolve customs, documentation, or delivery delays
• Calculate and monitor landed costs, including freight, insurance, duties, taxes, and clearing charges
• Consolidate shipments where appropriate to optimise freight costs and improve efficiency
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with local and international suppliers
• Monitor supplier performance against cost, quality, and delivery targets
• Work closely with Engineering and Quality teams to ensure purchased components meet specifications and manufacturing requirements
• Manage supplier quality issues, returns, replacements, and supplier claims where necessary
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, order schedules, and expected delivery dates
• Support production planning by ensuring component availability aligns with build requirements
• Identify potential shortages, supply chain risks, and disruptions, and implement corrective actions to minimise operational impact
• Assist with inventory management, stock planning, safety stock levels, and reorder point optimisation
• Provide regular reporting on open orders, supplier performance, procurement savings, inventory risks, and component shortages

Requirements

• Relevant qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Engineering, Commerce, or a related field
• Minimum of five years' experience in procurement, purchasing, supply chain management, or a related role
• Proven experience within the automotive, vehicle manufacturing, engineering, or automotive components industry
• Demonstrated experience sourcing and purchasing components from international suppliers
• Sound understanding of automotive components, production processes, and technical specifications
• Working knowledge of international freight, customs clearance procedures, Incoterms, and landed cost calculations
• Experience working with bills of materials (BOMs), purchase orders, inventory systems, and ERP platforms
• Strong supplier management, negotiation, and commercial decision-making skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and purchasing or inventory management software
• Strong planning, organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and manufacturing-driven environment
• Understanding of MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning)

Advantageous

• Experience sourcing components from Asia, Europe, or other major automotive supply markets
• Previous experience in a start-up, low-volume vehicle manufacturing, or rapidly scaling production environment
• Familiarity with electric vehicle technologies, including battery systems, electric drivetrains, chargers, controllers, and high-voltage components
• Knowledge of automotive quality standards and supplier quality management processes
• Experience with supplier audits, demand planning, and inventory optimisation initiatives
• Membership of or certification from a recognised procurement or supply chain professional body
• As part of your application, please submit a brief motivation (maximum 1-2 pages) together with your CV addressing the following:
• Your automotive procurement experience.
• The countries and/or regions from which you have sourced automotive components, materials, or assemblies.
• Your experience managing imports, customs processes, freight forwarding, and international logistics.
• A specific example of a procurement cost saving, supplier challenge, supply chain issue, or import-related problem that you successfully resolved, including the outcome achieved.

Closing Date 08 October 2026