FMCG BUYER

Indian Ocean Export Company; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading import-export firm in Durban is seeking an experienced FMCG Buyer responsible for strategic sourcing, negotiation, and procurement of goods. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of experience in FMCG procurement and possesses strong negotiation and communication skills. This role involves collaboration across multiple teams and requires adherence to international trade laws. Travel may be necessary as part of the duties.

Qualifications

• 5 years proven experience in FMCG procurement.
• Experience in international procurement.
• Strong negotiation skills are essential.
• Excellent communication abilities required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies for local and international markets.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers.
• Coordinate procurement with logistics and operations teams.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with international trade laws.
• Track and analyze procurement costs for optimization.
• Handle daily task management for procurement activities.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication abilities

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Market awareness

Education

BCom (Bachelor of Commerce) with majors in Purchasing, Supply Chain, or Economics

Matric

Tools

ERP software

Advanced Excel

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a FMCG Buyer to join our team in Morningside, Durban. The buyer is responsible for the strategic sourcing, negotiation, and procurement of goods from both local and international suppliers. This role requires a deep understanding of market dynamics, supplier relationship management, and international trade compliance. The Buyer works closely with Business Development, Marketing, Finance, Logistics, and Compliance teams to ensure timely, cost-effective, and compliant procurement of goods that meet business needs across various global markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing and Procurement – Develop and implement procurement strategies tailored to specific international and domestic markets; source and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, reliability, and capacity; negotiate favourable trading terms (contracts, pricing, payment terms, and rebate agreements); stay informed on market trends, competitor products, and price movements to ensure best value for the business.
• Supplier and Vendor Management – Build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing suppliers; conduct regular performance reviews and monthly meetings with strategic vendors; onboard new suppliers, ensuring full documentation (COAs, ISO, Halal / Kosher certifications, etc.) is collected and managed; actively build and support smaller suppliers to grow their capability and capacity.
• Supply Chain, Logistics and Operations – Coordinate procurement activities with warehousing, shipping, and export teams; manage documentation and compliance with international trade regulations; oversee timely delivery of goods and handle issues such as short shipments or damaged stock; work closely with export controllers and logistics partners to ensure seamless supply chain execution.
• Cross-functional Collaboration – Liaise with Business Development Managers (BDMs), Export Controllers (ECs), and Marketing to align product selection with market needs; collaborate on catalogues, POS material, and promotional planning for export markets; assist with forecasts and ensure alignment between procurement planning and business development initiatives.
• Risk and Compliance – Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies and international trade laws; work with the compliance team to maintain up-to-date documentation and mitigate risks; address and resolve supplier performance issues and manage procurement-related risks such as FX, supply disruptions, or political instability.
• Cost Management and Reporting – Track and analyse procurement costs and identify opportunities for cost optimization; support finance with claims processing and pricing-related reconciliations; prepare procurement reports, purchasing, supplier performance reviews, budgets, forecasting and cost-saving initiatives.
• Daily Activities and Task Management – Maintain and update product listings and delistings; handle new product innovations, discontinuations, and catalogue requests; manage internal queries from Business Development Manager and Export Coordinators; review and approve price lists and Distribution Centre pricing; upload pricing, documents, and maintain supplier data; participate in internal meetings and maintain detailed meeting minutes.

Minimum Requirements

Experience

• 5 years proven experience in FMCG procurement.
• Experience in international procurement.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication abilities.
• Required Software Proficiencies: Knowledge of at least one major ERP and advanced Excel.

Education

• Matric and BCom (Bachelor of Commerce) with majors in Purchasing, Supply Chain, or Economics or similar.

Operational

This role requires periodic domestic travel.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking, commercial acumen, market awareness.
• Supplier relationship management. Cross-functional collaboration.
• Time management. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
• Risk management. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.