Purchasing Agent - FMCG Sector

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive annual salary

On-site role with modern facilities

Comprehensive medical aid plan

Retirement savings plan

Annual bonus based on performance

Paid vacation and sick leave

Professional development and training

Employee discount on company products

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA is seeking an experienced Purchasing Agent to join the procurement team on-site. You will source raw materials, packaging, and operational supplies, manage supplier relationships, and ensure timely deliveries to meet production schedules.

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years in purchasing within FMCG, strong negotiation skills, ERP experience (SAP/Oracle), and a proactive approach to cost savings and procurement optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in purchasing/procurement, preferably FMCG.
• Proven track record of negotiation and cost reduction.
• Strong understanding of raw materials and packaging sourcing.
• ERP proficiency (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and procurement software.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities for stakeholder management.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Knowledge of Bloemfontein procurement landscape is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure raw materials, packaging materials, and operational supplies for FMCG production.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery to achieve cost savings.
• Monitor market trends and commodity prices to inform purchasing decisions.
• Process purchase orders and ensure adherence to budget.
• Collaborate with QA to ensure material standards.
• Manage supplier performance and resolve delivery or quality issues.
• Maintain purchasing records and vendor databases.
• Contribute to inventory management strategies to optimize stock.
• Stay updated on FMCG procurement regulatory requirements.

Skills

Negotiation

Cost reduction

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Stakeholder management

Supplier management

Market analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Our client, a leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) manufacturer, is looking for an experienced Purchasing Agent to join their procurement team in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA. This on-site role is integral to ensuring the continuous supply of raw materials, packaging, and operational supplies needed for production. The Purchasing Agent will be responsible for sourcing high-quality materials at competitive prices, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring timely deliveries to meet demanding production schedules. The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation skills, a thorough understanding of the FMCG supply chain, and a commitment to excellence. You will work closely with the supply chain, production, and finance departments to optimize procurement strategies and contribute to the company's profitability and market leadership. This role demands a proactive approach to market analysis and a sharp eye for cost-saving opportunities within the dynamic FMCG landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and procure raw materials, packaging materials, and operational supplies for FMCG production.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with a diverse base of suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules to achieve cost savings and ensure supply continuity.
• Monitor market trends and commodity prices to inform purchasing decisions.
• Process purchase orders and ensure adherence to budget constraints.
• Collaborate with quality assurance to ensure all procured materials meet required standards.
• Manage supplier performance and resolve any delivery or quality issues.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and vendor databases.
• Contribute to inventory management strategies to optimize stock levels.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and regulatory requirements in FMCG procurement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in purchasing or procurement, preferably within the FMCG sector.
• Proven track record of successful negotiation and cost reduction.
• Strong understanding of raw material and packaging sourcing.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and procurement software.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities for stakeholder and supplier management.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Knowledge of Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA procurement landscape is beneficial.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary.
• Opportunity to work with a prominent FMCG company.
• On-site role with access to modern facilities.
• Comprehensive medical aid plan.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Annual bonus based on performance.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Professional development and training programs.
• Employee discount on company products.
• Supportive and team-oriented work culture.