Lead Category Buyer - Groceries

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Leave benefits

Staff discounts

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Category Buyer to oversee the grocery category for a major national supermarket chain in Cape Town, Western Cape. You will develop and execute procurement strategies, manage supplier negotiations, and drive growth and profitability across the category.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in category management or buying in FMCG, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and a proven leadership record.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or Supply Chain.
• 7+ years in category management or buying in grocery/FMCG.
• Proven success in negotiating complex deals with suppliers.
• Strong understanding of retail dynamics in SA.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Leadership experience and budgeting ability.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and execution for grocery procurement.
• Identify and secure new suppliers and products.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and supply agreements.
• Analyze market trends and consumer behavior.
• Manage category P&L and profitability targets.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales on launches.
• Ensure food safety regulations and quality standards.
• Monitor supplier performance and take corrective actions.
• Mentor junior buyers within the grocery category.
• Optimize inventory and reduce waste in the supply chain.

Skills

Negotiation

Category management

FMCG knowledge

Supplier relations

Data analytics

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/Supply Chain

Tools

ERP systems

Retail analytics software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major national supermarket chain, is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Lead Category Buyer to manage their grocery division in Cape Town, Western Cape . This demanding position requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the FMCG market, supplier negotiations, and category management. The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving growth and profitability within the grocery category by developing and executing effective purchasing strategies. This role is critical to ensuring our client remains competitive and meets consumer demands for quality and value. The position is based in our Cape Town head office, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment. We seek a results-driven professional passionate about the retail sector and adept at managing complex supplier relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and execution for all grocery category procurement.
• Identify and secure new suppliers and products to enhance the grocery offering and competitive edge.
• Negotiate pricing, promotional terms, and supply agreements with national and international grocery suppliers.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and consumer behavior to inform category strategies.
• Manage category P&L, ensuring revenue targets and profit margins are met or exceeded.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to develop and launch new products and promotional campaigns.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations and quality standards.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Mentor and develop a team of junior buyers within the grocery category.
• Optimize inventory levels and reduce waste within the grocery supply chain.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in category management or buyer roles within the grocery or FMCG sector.
• Proven success in negotiating complex deals and managing large supplier portfolios.
• Strong understanding of retail dynamics, particularly within the grocery market in South Africa .
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in retail analytics software and ERP systems.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and guide a team.
• Must be adept at managing budgets and driving profitability.

Benefits

• This role comes with an attractive salary package and a significant performance-based bonus.
• Our client provides top-tier medical aid, a provident fund, and extensive leave benefits.
• Opportunities for international exposure and professional development are readily available.
• Employees also enjoy staff discounts on groceries and access to a modern, well-equipped office facility in Cape Town .