Category Buyer - FMCG

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote role

Competitive compensation

Remote work culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Category Buyer for a fully remote role in the FMCG sector. The successful candidate will develop sourcing strategies, negotiate with suppliers, and manage category budgets to optimize value while maintaining product quality.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in procurement and strategic sourcing, with strong negotiation and contract knowledge, and a proven track record in cost savings through global sourcing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of procurement, purchasing, or strategic sourcing experience, preferably in FMCG.
• Proven track record of cost savings through effective negotiation and sourcing strategies.
• Strong understanding of contract law, supply chain principles, and global sourcing practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work remotely and collaborate effectively in a virtual environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category sourcing strategies to achieve cost savings, improve quality, and ensure supply chain reliability.
• Identify, evaluate, and select new suppliers based on price, quality, reliability, and service.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms of service with suppliers to secure the best possible outcomes.
• Manage relationships with existing suppliers, fostering partnerships and ensuring ongoing performance management.
• Analyze market trends, commodity prices, and supplier performance to inform procurement decisions.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with supply chain and operations teams to ensure adequate stock availability.
• Manage category budgets and P&L for assigned procurement areas.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical standards, and relevant regulations.
• Prepare and present procurement reports and recommendations to senior management.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier management

Analytical skills

Procurement knowledge

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree (Supply Chain/Business/Economics)

Tools

ERP systems

Procurement software

MS Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading force in the FMCG sector, is actively seeking a strategic and skilled Category Buyer to join their procurement team. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to manage procurement operations from anywhere while ensuring the timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods for their diverse product lines. The Category Buyer will be responsible for developing and implementing sourcing strategies, negotiating with suppliers, and managing category budgets to optimize value and maintain product quality. You will play a critical role in identifying potential suppliers, evaluating their offerings, and building strong, collaborative relationships to support the company's growth and operational efficiency. This role demands a sharp analytical mind, excellent negotiation skills, and a thorough understanding of supply chain dynamics within the FMCG industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category sourcing strategies to achieve cost savings, improve quality, and ensure supply chain reliability.
• Identify, evaluate, and select new suppliers based on price, quality, reliability, and service.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms of service with suppliers to secure the best possible outcomes.
• Manage relationships with existing suppliers, fostering partnerships and ensuring ongoing performance management.
• Analyze market trends, commodity prices, and supplier performance to inform procurement decisions.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with supply chain and operations teams to ensure adequate stock availability.
• Manage category budgets and P&L for assigned procurement areas.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical standards, and relevant regulations.
• Prepare and present procurement reports and recommendations to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or strategic sourcing, with a strong emphasis on the FMCG sector .
• Proven track record of achieving significant cost savings through effective negotiation and sourcing strategies.
• Strong understanding of contract law, supply chain principles, and global sourcing practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively in a fully remote environment.
• Proficiency in procurement software, ERP systems, and MS Office Suite.
• Knowledge of sustainability and ethical sourcing practices is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and the significant advantage of a fully remote role. This position provides the opportunity to contribute to the strategic success of a leading FMCG company, managing key procurement categories with autonomy. You will benefit from a supportive remote work culture, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a substantial impact on the company's bottom line and operational efficiency.