Category Buyer - FMCG Procurement

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Training & certification support

Employee discounts on products

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Category Buyer for our procurement team in Sandton, Gauteng. The role focuses on sourcing FMCG products, supplier relations, and driving cost efficiency while aligning with internal stakeholders across marketing, sales, and logistics.

The ideal candidate will have a strategic mindset, strong negotiation skills, and a proven track record in procurement within FMCG. This role offers a dynamic, fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management, preferably FMCG.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category sourcing strategies to meet business objectives in Sandton, Gauteng.
• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on cost, quality, reliability, and ethical standards.
• Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and contracts with suppliers.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure consistent supply and drive performance improvements.
• Monitor market trends, commodity prices, and supplier capabilities to inform procurement decisions.
• Analyze procurement data to identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and relevant regulations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to understand product requirements and forecast demand.
• Manage inventory levels for assigned categories to ensure optimal stock availability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM/Business/Finance

Tools

ERP (SAP/Oracle)

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking an experienced and strategic Category Buyer to join their procurement team in **Sandton, Gauteng**. This role is critical for sourcing and purchasing a diverse range of FMCG products, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring optimal cost and quality. The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation skills, a deep understanding of procurement best practices within the FMCG industry, and a keen eye for market trends. You will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies, managing contracts, and driving cost-saving initiatives to enhance profitability. This position demands excellent analytical abilities and the capacity to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders, including marketing, sales, and logistics. We are looking for a proactive professional who can identify opportunities for strategic sourcing and contribute to the company's competitive advantage in the **Sandton** market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category sourcing strategies to meet business objectives in **Sandton, Gauteng**.
• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on cost, quality, reliability, and ethical standards.
• Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and contracts with suppliers.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure consistent supply and drive performance improvements.
• Monitor market trends, commodity prices, and supplier capabilities to inform procurement decisions.
• Analyze procurement data to identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and relevant regulations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to understand product requirements and forecast demand.
• Manage inventory levels for assigned categories to ensure optimal stock availability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management, preferably within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record in negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships effectively.
• Strong understanding of procurement principles, supply chain dynamics, and market analysis.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in procurement software and MS Office Suite.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and compliance.
• Knowledge of international sourcing and trade regulations is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment within a leading FMCG organization.
• Employee discounts on company products.
• Generous annual leave and company holiday allowances.
• Access to industry networking events and conferences.
• Supportive management team committed to employee growth.
• Potential for career progression into senior procurement roles.
• Regular team-building activities and social events.