Purchasing Assistant

Purchasing Assistant - Ulusaba / Virgin Limited Edition

Ulusaba is a safari destination located in South Africa on the edge of Kruger National Park in the world renowned Sabi Sands Nature Reserve. Ulusaba has two magnificent lodges: Rock Lodge is perched high on the summit of a koppie (rocky hill) and has 8 rooms whilst 0.5km away, Safari Lodge is built along the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed and has 10 rooms. Many guests choose to split their stay between both lodges. Our portfolio also includes Sir Richard Branson’s private residence, the spectacular Cliff Lodge, which is available for exclusive-use bookings. Guests may book individual rooms, an individual lodge for a group or even the entire property as a whole - ideal for weddings and celebrations. The majority of our guests are international, primarily traveling from the UK and USA.

Ulusaba is an excellent place to observe the ‘Big Five’ – buffalo, rhinoceros, elephant, lion and leopard. The property belongs to Sir Richard Branson and, whilst maintaining a highly professional and efficient guest experience, it is key that any appointments maintain the sense of fun and the outgoing attitude of Virgin which is reflected in the running of this busy lodge. A hands-on approach is expected of all team members.

For more info on the lodge and our collection of properties look at www.virginlimitededition.com and follow the link to Ulusaba.

The Purchasing Assistant provides full leave cover as well as assistance to the Purchasing & Procurement Manager in daily data capturing, administration, placing of orders and monthly stock takes.

Here’s what you need to have in your store!

Qualifications / Experience

• Preferably 3 years’ experience in a purchasing and procurement role
• Extensive computer knowledge i.e. Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Internet, Powerpoint, Sage X3, HMS Infor (advantageous)
• Excellent command of the English language, spoken and written

Behaviours / Skills

• Good understanding of administration, with a methodical approach
• Efficient and thorough approach to administrative tasks and data capturing
• Excellent organizational and planning skills
• Excellent communicator
• Hands on approach
• Copes well under pressure and able to prioritise
• Willing to work flexible hours
• Flexible attitude and willing to take on tasks as necessary
• Sense of ownership and pride in work
• Attention to detail and accuracy are essential
• Open to learning systems and processes
• Excellent social and interpersonal skills, able to interact with staff appropriately
• Sensitive to cultural differences, patient with colleagues
• Realistic expectations of bush life
• Well-groomed and a good sense of personal hygiene
• A sense of fun and understanding of the Virgin way of doing things

Here’s what you’d do

• Provide cover whilst the Purchasing & Procurement Manager is on leave, this includes the placing of orders and daily administrative tasks
• Conduct preliminary stock counts
• Place order for all stores
• Raise purchase orders
• Perform and record daily updates of Lodge and Housekeeping requisitions as well as staff food allowances
• Process sales, post payments on relevant accounts, receipt goods and enter supplier invoices in Sage X3
• Perform daily cash-ups and enter stock purchases for the day
• Capture daily updates of staff food allowances
• Assist with deliveries, verify quantities, prices, quality, expiry dates etc.
• Complete relevant delivery related H&S checklists
• Notify suppliers of shortages and damages
• Reconcile supplier statements and accounts
• Assist with monthly stock takes and data capture
• Investigate and report any variances/discrepancies and stock related issues
• Ensure procurement documentation is complete and audit-ready
• Maintain and reconcile petty cash.

And this is what’s in store for you

• Permanent employment
• Basic monthly salary (to be discussed in the interview)
• Live-in basic furnished accommodation (possible sharing)
• R2614.00 food allowance over and above salary
• Medical Aid - company contribution 50% (after 3-month successful probation period)
• Pension Fund - company contribution 50% (after 3-month successful probation period)
• Share of gratuities left by guests (upon re-opening of the lodge in 2027)
• 1% company revenue gratuity (upon re-opening of the lodge in 2027)
• 20 bed nights for family and friends annually (upon re-opening of the lodge in 2027)
• 2x free Virgin Active memberships (after 3-month successful probation period)
• Leave cycle: 4 weeks on and 2 weeks off

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