Buyer - Perishables

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Buyer specializing in perishables to join our client's procurement team in East London, Eastern Cape. You will source from local and international suppliers, negotiate prices, and manage inventory to ensure fresh, high-quality fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy across stores.

The role requires strong knowledge of the perishables supply chain, excellent negotiation, and ability to forecast demand in a fast-paced retail environment, while ensuring food safety

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in SCM, business, food science or related field.
• 3–5 years of Buyer experience with perishables.
• Deep understanding of perishables supply chain (seasonality, storage, handling).
• Proven negotiation and contract management skills.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and quality control.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure perishable goods (produce, meat, dairy, bakery).
• Build and maintain relationships with local and international suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules.
• Monitor market trends, seasonality, and competitor pricing.
• Manage inventory to minimize spoilage and ensure availability.
• Ensure sourced products meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with logistics and store operations for efficient delivery.
• Analyze sales data and forecast demand to inform purchasing.
• Conduct supplier performance reviews (quality, delivery, price).
• Assist in promotional plans and seasonal offerings for perishables.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Inventory management

Forecasting

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Supply chain knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Food Science, or related field

Tools

Excel

Inventory management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading supermarket chain, is seeking a dedicated Buyer with a specialization in perishables to join their procurement team in East London, Eastern Cape. This role is critical for ensuring the fresh, high-quality supply of fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products to our client's stores. The Buyer will be responsible for sourcing from local and international suppliers, negotiating prices, managing inventory, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. This position requires a deep understanding of the perishables market, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced retail environment. This role is based in our client's East London hub, facilitating direct engagement with the supply chain and operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and procure a wide range of perishable goods, including fresh produce, meats, dairy, and bakery items.


• Develop and maintain relationships with a diverse network of local and international suppliers.


• Negotiate competitive pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers.


• Monitor market trends, seasonal availability, and competitor pricing for perishable goods.


• Manage inventory levels to minimize spoilage and ensure product availability, optimizing stock rotation.


• Ensure all sourced products meet stringent quality, safety, and regulatory standards.


• Collaborate with the logistics and store operations teams to ensure efficient delivery and handling of perishable items.


• Analyze sales data and forecast demand to inform purchasing decisions.


• Conduct regular performance reviews of suppliers based on quality, delivery, and price.


• Assist in developing promotional plans and seasonal offerings for perishable categories.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Food Science, or a related field.


• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a Buyer, with specific experience in the perishables sector (e.g., fresh produce, meat, dairy).


• In-depth knowledge of the perishables supply chain, including seasonality, storage, and handling requirements.


• Proven negotiation and contract management skills.


• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and quality control principles.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word) and experience with inventory management systems.


• Excellent analytical and forecasting abilities.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with suppliers and internal teams.


• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a dynamic retail environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, potential for performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid and a retirement fund.


• The role provides opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the retail sector.


• This position offers a key role in ensuring the quality and freshness of products available to customers in East London, with a supportive team environment.