Procurement Officer / Buyer – FMCG & Retail / JHB

Rooftop Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Procurement Specialist in Durban, South Africa. The role involves managing end-to-end procurement of FMCG and retail goods, developing supplier relationships, and analyzing sales data for informed buying decisions. Required qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in procurement within the FMCG or retail sector. Strong negotiation and analytical skills are essential for success in this fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of proven experience in procurement or buying within the FMCG and/or retail sector.
• Proficient in using ERP systems and procurement software.
• Ability to manage multiple categories and meet strict deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement of FMCG and retail goods.
• Develop and maintain a reliable supplier base.
• Analyze sales data and trends to inform buying decisions.
• Monitor inventory levels and adjust buying plans accordingly.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier relationship management

Analytical thinking

Planning skills

Education

Bachelors degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, or related field

Tools

SAP

Sage

Oracle

Job description

Responsibilities

Manage end-to-end procurement of FMCG and retail goods, from sourcing and negotiations to purchase order execution.

Develop and maintain a reliable supplier base, ensuring competitive pricing, quality standards, and consistent supply.

Work closely with merchandising and planning teams to forecast demand and align procurement with sales cycles and promotional calendars.

Analyze sales data, trends, and seasonal factors to make informed buying decisions.

Lead negotiations on cost, payment terms, MOQs, delivery timelines, and rebates.

Monitor inventory levels across retail locations and adjust buying plans to optimize stock turns and reduce excess.

Ensure compliance with procurement policies and support ethical sourcing practices.

Continuously evaluate supplier performance and conduct regular reviews.

Identify new product opportunities and introduce innovative or trending retail products.

Coordinate with logistics and warehouse teams to ensure timely delivery and smooth stock flow.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Retail Management, or related field.

Minimum 35 years of proven experience in procurement or buying within the FMCG and / or retail sector.

Strong negotiation, planning, and supplier relationship management skills.

Proficient in ERP systems and procurement software (e.g., SAP, Sage, Oracle, or similar).

Sound understanding of retail cycles, customer behaviour, and product lifecycles.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Analytical thinker with the ability to interpret numbers and forecast trends.

Ability to manage multiple categories and meet strict deadlines in a fast-moving environment.

Preferred Skills & Competencies

• Category buying expertise (e.g., food, household, personal care, etc.)
• Vendor and product sourcing (local and international)
• Retail stock flow and replenishment understanding
• Strategic procurement planning
• Strong commercial and business acumen