Buying Manager – Commodities

Lotus's Malaysia; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Lotus's Malaysia is seeking a Buying Manager for Commodity categories. You will develop the category strategy, oversee product assortment and supplier negotiations to ensure competitive pricing and reliable supply.

This role requires strong leadership to coach the buying team and drive profitability across multiple product segments. Responsibilities include market research, supplier selection, and collaboration with Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance and QA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Management, Marketing, Supply Chain, Economics or related discipline.
• Minimum four years of experience in buying, merchandising, category management or procurement in retail/FMCG/food.
• Experience managing commodity products, packaged foods or related grocery category preferred.
• Proven supplier management, negotiation, category planning and promotional execution.
• Strong commercial acumen with understanding of sales, gross margin, pricing, inventory and profitability.
• Strong analytical and numerical abilities with data-driven decision making.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, presentation and stakeholder-management skills.
• Strong leadership with experience coaching or developing a team.
• Proficiency in MS Office; knowledge of retail buying/ERP systems is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the category strategy and annual buying plan for Commodity products.
• Research market developments, price movements, competitor actions and consumer trends.
• Select and develop a competitive product assortment across price points and segments.
• Source, assess and appoint suppliers based on pricing, quality, supply capability and terms.
• Lead supplier negotiations to secure costs, promotions, rebates and payment terms.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers while adding new sources.
• Manage category sales, gross margin, stockholding, availability and KPIs.
• Develop pricing and promotional strategies to maximize customer value and profitability.
• Monitor performance and address underperforming items or supply issues.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Store Ops, Marketing, Finance and QA on launches and promotions.
• Ensure compliance with quality, safety, regulatory and sustainability standards.
• Prepare category reviews, forecasts, budgets and performance reports for senior management.
• Provide guidance and coaching to buying team members.
• Maintain commercial awareness and respond to market opportunities and supply risks.

Skills

Category strategy

Supplier negotiation

Supplier management

Analytical skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Excel

PowerPoint

Forecasting

Pricing strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

ERP systems

Job description

The Buying Manager – Commodity is responsible for developing and executing the category strategy to drive sales, profitability, market share and customer value. The role oversees product assortment, pricing, promotions, supplier negotiations and inventory performance while ensuring a reliable and competitive supply of products.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the category strategy and annual buying plan for Commodity product in line with the company’s commercial objectives.
• Research market developments, commodity-price movements, competitor activities, consumer trends and purchasing patterns to identify opportunities and risks.
• Select and develop a competitive product assortment that meets customer needs across different price points, pack sizes and product segments.
• Source, assess and appoint suppliers based on pricing, product quality, supply capability, distribution costs, service levels and commercial terms.
• Lead supplier negotiations to secure competitive costs, promotional support, rebates, payment terms and other trading benefits.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers while continuously identifying and developing new supply sources.
• Manage category sales, gross margin, stockholding, availability, market share and other key performance indicators.
• Develop pricing and promotional strategies that strengthen customer value while delivering the required sales and profitability.
• Monitor product performance and take timely action on underperforming items, excess inventory, supply shortages and changing market conditions.
• Work closely with Supply Chain, Store Operations, Marketing, Finance, Quality Assurance and other relevant departments when launching new products, promotions and category initiatives.
• Ensure all products and suppliers comply with the company’s quality, food safety, regulatory and sustainability requirements.
• Prepare category reviews, business forecasts, budgets and performance reports for senior management.
• Provide guidance, coaching and performance management to members of the buying team.
• Maintain a high level of commercial awareness and respond quickly to market opportunities and supply-chain risks.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, Marketing, Supply Chain, Economics or a related discipline.
• Minimum four years of relevant experience in buying, merchandising, category management or procurement within the retail, FMCG or food industry.
• Experience managing commodity product, packaged foods or a related grocery category is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience in supplier management, commercial negotiation, category planning and promotional execution.
• Strong commercial acumen with a good understanding of sales, gross margin, pricing, inventory and category profitability.
• Strong analytical and numerical ability, with the capacity to interpret market data and translate insights into commercial actions.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, presentation and stakeholder-management skills.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in managing, coaching or developing a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with retail buying, merchandising or ERP systems would be an advantage.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, target-driven environment.
• Resourceful, proactive and results-oriented, with the ability to identify and maximize commercial opportunities.
• Customer-focused and business-minded, with a genuine passion for retail.
• Well-organized, disciplined and able to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively under pressure.