Category Buyer - Raw Materials

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Provident fund

Professional development opportunities

Health coverage

Collaborative work culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Category Buyer focused on raw materials for an agricultural/food processing client in Bloemfontein. You will develop sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure a steady supply of high-quality inputs to support production.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in raw material procurement, strong knowledge of agricultural markets and commodity pricing, and proficiency with ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Agriculture, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years procurement experience, raw material sourcing in agriculture/food processing.
• Proven track record in negotiating commodity contracts and supplier relations.
• Knowledge of agricultural markets, commodity trading and supply chain logistics.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret market data and financial information.
• Proficiency with procurement software and ERP systems.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with quality assurance standards and food safety regulations is advantageous.
• Residency in or relocation to Bloemfontein.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for key raw material inputs.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers of agricultural commodities and ingredients.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to secure competitive advantages.
• Manage day-to-day supplier relationships, performance monitoring, and issue resolution.
• Analyze market trends, commodity prices, and geopolitical factors impacting raw material supply.
• Ensure timely delivery of raw materials to meet production schedules and quality standards.
• Collaborate with operations, quality control, and R&D to forecast demand and manage specifications.
• Mitigate supply chain risks through diversification and strategic planning.
• Monitor and report on category spend, savings, and supplier performance.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and ethical sourcing practices.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Communication

Independent / collaborative work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

Procurement software

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the agricultural and food processing industry located in Bloemfontein, Free State , is seeking an experienced Category Buyer focused on raw materials. This role is instrumental in managing the procurement of essential agricultural inputs, commodities, and processing ingredients. The Category Buyer will be responsible for developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring the consistent supply of high-quality raw materials to support our client's production needs. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of agricultural markets, commodity pricing, and supply chain dynamics within this sector. We are looking for a strategic thinker with excellent negotiation and analytical skills to optimize value and mitigate risks. This position offers a significant opportunity to impact the operational efficiency and profitability of a key business in the Free State . Join a company dedicated to sustainable practices and delivering high-quality products. The role is based in Bloemfontein , a central hub for agricultural activities in South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for key raw material inputs.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers of agricultural commodities and ingredients.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to secure competitive advantages.
• Manage day-to-day supplier relationships, performance monitoring, and issue resolution.
• Analyze market trends, commodity prices, and geopolitical factors impacting raw material supply.
• Ensure timely delivery of raw materials to meet production schedules and quality standards.
• Collaborate with operations, quality control, and R&D departments to forecast demand and manage specifications.
• Mitigate supply chain risks through diversification and strategic planning.
• Monitor and report on category spend, savings, and supplier performance.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry regulations and ethical sourcing practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Agriculture, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, specifically in raw material sourcing, preferably within the agricultural or food processing industry.
• Proven track record in negotiating commodity contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• In-depth knowledge of agricultural markets, commodity trading, and supply chain logistics.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data and financial information.
• Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with quality assurance standards and food safety regulations is advantageous.
• Residing in or willing to relocate to Bloemfontein .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health coverage, a provident fund, and potential performance bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development, including industry-specific training, are provided.
• The company fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture.
• This role in Bloemfontein presents a unique opportunity to specialize in raw material procurement within a vital industry sector in the Free State .
• Join a company committed to growth and sustainability, offering a challenging and rewarding career.
• Enjoy the benefits of working in a key agricultural region of South Africa, with the vibrant city of Bloemfontein as your base.