About the position
We are looking for an experienced International Sourcing Specialist to research, identify and source new products and components for the South African market. Working within an established electrical products distribution environment, you will be responsible for identifying suitable products and suppliers internationally, with a strong focus on sourcing directly from China.
This is a hands-on sourcing role suited to someone who understands the full process of finding a product, evaluating suppliers, comparing specifications and costs, negotiating commercially and coordinating the introduction of suitable products into a local product range.
Key Responsibilities:
- Research and identify new products, components, suppliers and market opportunities.
- Source products directly from international suppliers, particularly China.
- Identify, evaluate and develop new supplier relationships.
- Obtain and compare quotations, product specifications, samples and supplier information.
- Evaluate products based on quality, specifications, cost and suitability for the South African market.
- Negotiate pricing and commercial terms with international suppliers.
- Analyse product costs and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
- Coordinate product samples, testing and evaluation with internal technical teams.
- Review and interpret supplier technical data sheets and product specifications.
- Ensure sourced products meet applicable quality, safety and South African regulatory requirements.
- Monitor market trends, new technologies and competitor product offerings.
- Maintain accurate sourcing, supplier and product documentation.
- Work closely with technical and commercial teams when introducing new products.
Minimum Requirements:
- Matric / Grade 12.
- Minimum 3–4 years' direct international buying / product sourcing experience from China.
- Experience working with imported products for the South African market.
- Demonstrated experience sourcing new products and new suppliers, rather than purchasing only from an established supplier base.
- Experience dealing directly with overseas manufacturers and/or suppliers.
- Strong supplier negotiation and cost-analysis experience.
- Experience evaluating product specifications, pricing, quality and commercial viability.
- Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to interpret technical product information and supplier documentation.
- Experience within electrical products, electronics, industrial products, components, hardware or a related technical product environment would be advantageous.
Desired Skills:
- Strong research
- problem-solving
- Strong supplier negotiation
