Commodity Buying Lead — Strategy, Sourcing & Growth

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

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.