Buyer - Raw Materials (FMCG)

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonus

Annual leave

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Buyer for a fast-growing FMCG manufacturer in Port Elizabeth. You will manage procurement of raw materials, sourcing suppliers, negotiating contracts, and maintaining inventory to support production schedules in the Eastern Cape.

You should have 4+ years in FMCG procurement, strong negotiation and data analysis skills, and experience with SAP or Oracle. A hybrid on-site/remote work setup in Port Elizabeth is available, and you must be eligible to work in South

Qualifications

• 4+ years in purchasing or procurement in FMCG or food manufacturing.
• Experience sourcing raw materials, ingredients, or packaging.
• Strong negotiation skills and cost-saving track record.
• Understanding of supply chain and inventory management.
• Experience with procurement software/ERP (SAP, Oracle).
• Hybrid work model; Port Elizabeth on-site/hybrid work.
• Legally eligible to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure raw materials, ingredients, and packaging for FMCG production.
• Identify, evaluate and onboard new suppliers meeting quality, cost and ethical standards.
• Negotiate terms, pricing and delivery schedules to optimize costs and ensure supply continuity.
• Manage supplier relationships, conduct performance reviews and foster partnerships.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with planning and production to prevent stock-outs.
• Analyze market trends, commodity prices and economic factors affecting costs.
• Ensure compliance with regulations including food safety and import/export requirements.
• Prepare reports on procurement activities, costs and supplier performance.

Skills

Procurement/sourcing

Negotiation

Inventory management

Analytical skills

ERP systems (SAP/Oracle)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) manufacturer based in Port Elizabeth , is seeking a skilled Buyer to manage the procurement of essential raw materials. This role is vital to ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality ingredients and packaging materials, which are critical for maintaining production schedules and product quality. The Buyer will be responsible for sourcing suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing inventory levels to support manufacturing operations in the Eastern Cape . We are looking for a proactive individual with strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of commodity markets and supplier dynamics within the FMCG sector. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic and expanding company in Port Elizabeth and contribute to its success.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and procure a diverse range of raw materials, ingredients, and packaging supplies for FMCG production.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers, ensuring they meet quality, cost, and ethical standards.
• Negotiate favourable terms, pricing, and delivery schedules with suppliers to optimize costs and ensure supply continuity.
• Manage supplier relationships, conducting performance reviews and fostering collaborative partnerships.
• Monitor inventory levels of raw materials, coordinating with planning and production teams to prevent stock-outs and minimize excess inventory.
• Analyze market trends, commodity prices, and economic factors that may impact raw material costs and availability.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including food safety standards and import/export requirements.
• Prepare regular reports on procurement activities, costs, and supplier performance for management review.

Requirements

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in purchasing or procurement, specifically within the FMCG or food manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience in sourcing and managing raw materials, ingredients, or packaging.
• Strong negotiation skills and demonstrated success in achieving cost savings.
• Excellent understanding of supply chain principles and inventory management techniques.
• Proficiency in using procurement software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, managing tasks efficiently both remotely and on-site in Port Elizabeth .
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive medical aid and a provident fund are provided.
• This role includes a performance bonus scheme, generous annual leave, and dedicated opportunities for professional development and training.
• The hybrid work arrangement in Port Elizabeth supports a flexible work environment.
• Join a thriving company in the Eastern Cape and play a key role in its production success.