Logistics Buyer

OFO No:  639201

What is a Logistics Buyer?

A Logistics Buyer may also be known as a Supply Chain Manager or Procurement Officer.

They are responsible for sourcing (procuring), negotiating and developing buying strategies with suppliers on behalf of the company.

Logistics Buyers co-ordinate the whole buying strategy, from sourcing to acquiring the goods. 

They may work for a small company of for a department of a very large company, for example: Woolworths.

What does a Logistics Buyer do?

• negotiating with suppliers to ensure a good price
• issuing quotation requests
• organising delivery arrangements of goods
• developing new buying plans
• signing agreements and contracts
• monitoring products and suppliers’ performances
• constantly sourcing new products and trends
• working on formulas to keep pricing low
• training new staff

Are you … ?

• analytical?
• confident?
• organised?
• decisive?
• an extremely good negotiator?
• observant?
• good at mathematics?

How do I become a Logistics Buyer?

There are numerous ways to study Logistics or Supply Chain Management.  Many institutions of higher learning will offer courses relating to logistics.

Here are a few examples:

DEGREES

• UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH

Logistics Management is offered at 2nd and 3rd year level in most BComm programmes. It can also be taken as a major in a BSc in Polymer and Textile and in the BSc (Agric) programme.

DIPLOMAS

• DAMELIN

Offers a DCC Logistics and Supply Chain Management Diploma

• UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG

Has numerous Diploma, National Diploma and Bachelor of Technology (BTEch) options in logistics and logistics management.

• TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Offers a 3 year National Diploma in Logistics

• VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Offers a 3 year National Diploma in Logistics Management + and extra year each for a BTech and DTech.

CERTIFICATES

• CENTRE FOR LOGISTICS EXCELLENCE: CLX

Offers a variety of accredited courses.

• DAMELIN

Offers a Supply Chain Management Short Course Certificate

Check your local institutions to see if they have relevant course for you.

Click here to find an institution near you:  https://careerplanet.co.za/get_skills

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Customer Service Manager or Visual Merchandiser

Is becoming a Logistics Buyer the right career choice for me?