Buyer - FMCG

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Training opportunities

Remote work option

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a commercially astute Buyer for our FMCG client based in East London, SA. You will source and purchase a wide range of FMCG products, manage supplier relationships, and negotiate contracts to ensure competitive pricing and timely delivery.

Key responsibilities include analyzing market trends, optimizing stock levels, and supporting promotions with availability. The role offers remote work flexibility within South Africa and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business admin, marketing, or related field.
• 2-4 years experience in purchasing in FMCG.
• Proven supplier negotiation and relationship management.
• Strong understanding of FMCG market dynamics and supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Source and purchase a diverse range of FMCG products within budget.
• Negotiate favourable terms, pricing and payment with suppliers.
• Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers and manufacturers.
• Monitor market trends and consumer demand to inform purchasing decisions.
• Manage inventory levels to optimize stock turnover and minimize stock-outs.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing for promotions and launches.
• Process purchase orders and track shipments; resolve discrepancies.
• Evaluate supplier performance on quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Contribute to cost-saving initiatives and process improvements.
• Stay updated on industry regulations and best practices.

Skills

Analytical skills

Supplier negotiation

Team player

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading distributor of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), is seeking a skilled and commercially astute Buyer to join their dynamic procurement team. This role, based out of East London, Eastern Cape, ZA , will focus on sourcing and purchasing a wide range of FMCG products, ensuring competitive pricing, quality, and timely delivery to meet market demand. The Buyer will be responsible for managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and contributing to the overall profitability and efficiency of the supply chain. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual with a passion for the FMCG sector to contribute to a successful and growing business. You will play a key part in ensuring our client stays competitive in the fast-paced consumer goods market.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and purchase a diverse range of FMCG products, ensuring adherence to quality standards and budget constraints.
• Negotiate favourable terms, pricing, and payment conditions with suppliers.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers and manufacturers.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and consumer demand to inform purchasing decisions.
• Manage inventory levels to optimize stock turnover and minimize stock-outs or overstock situations.
• Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to ensure product availability for promotions and new product launches.
• Process purchase orders, track shipments, and resolve any discrepancies or delivery issues promptly.
• Evaluate supplier performance based on quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Contribute to cost-saving initiatives and process improvements within the procurement function.
• Stay updated on industry regulations and best practices in FMCG procurement.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• 2-4 years of experience in purchasing or buying, specifically within the FMCG sector.
• Proven track record of successful supplier negotiation and relationship management.
• Strong understanding of the FMCG market dynamics, product categories, and supply chain complexities.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to interpret sales data and market trends.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, with strong Excel skills.
• Experience with ERP systems is a plus.
• Good communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive and results-oriented approach.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, complemented by performance-based bonuses and regular salary reviews.
• Employees are provided with comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, including industry-specific training, are available.
• This role offers the flexibility of a remote work setup, supported by our client's robust digital infrastructure, allowing for work-life balance.