Purchasing Officer - Local Role

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

On-site role

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto is seeking a diligent Purchasing Officer to manage procurement operations for a growing food and beverage distributor. This full-time, on-site role involves sourcing ingredients and packaging, negotiating with suppliers, and maintaining optimal stock levels to support production and distribution.

You will build supplier relationships, monitor orders, and ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of purchasing experience in FMCG, food & beverage.
• Experience in sourcing, negotiation and supplier management.
• Proficient in Excel and MS Office.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Process purchase requisitions and issue purchase orders for raw materials and packaging.
• Source and evaluate suppliers for quality, price and delivery reliability.
• Negotiate terms with suppliers to achieve cost savings.
• Monitor inventory and coordinate with warehouse and production teams.
• Maintain purchasing records, vendor details, and pricing information.
• Expedite orders and resolve delivery or quality issues promptly.
• Assist in developing purchasing policies and procedures.
• Liaise with finance for invoice verification and payment processing.
• Stay informed about market trends, prices, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team player

Procurement experience

Education

Procurement / SCM / Business Admin qualification

Tools

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing food and beverage distributor, is looking for a diligent Purchasing Officer to manage their procurement operations in Soweto . This is a full-time, on-site position critical to maintaining efficient supply chain operations. You will be responsible for sourcing high-quality ingredients and packaging materials, negotiating with suppliers, and ensuring optimal stock levels to meet production and distribution demands. The ideal candidate possesses strong organizational skills, a keen eye for detail, and a solid understanding of procurement processes within the FMCG sector. This role offers a valuable opportunity to contribute directly to the operational success of our client in Soweto and gain hands-on experience in a vital industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Process purchase requisitions and issue purchase orders for raw materials, packaging, and operational supplies.
• Source and evaluate new and existing suppliers to ensure quality, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery.
• Negotiate terms and conditions with suppliers to achieve cost savings and favorable contract agreements.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with warehouse and production teams to ensure timely replenishment.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, including vendor details, order histories, and pricing information.
• Expedite outstanding orders and resolve any delivery or quality issues promptly.
• Assist in the development and implementation of purchasing policies and procedures.
• Liaise with the finance department for invoice verification and payment processing.
• Stay informed about market trends, commodity prices, and industry best practices.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards relevant to procurement.

Requirements

• A relevant qualification or certification in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or Business Administration.
• 2-4 years of experience in a purchasing or procurement role, preferably within the food and beverage industry.
• Demonstrated experience in sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Strong understanding of inventory control principles and their application.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in documentation and transaction processing.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in an on-site environment in Soweto .
• Knowledge of local suppliers and market dynamics is an advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits plan including medical aid and a provident fund.
• This on-site role provides direct engagement with a dedicated team and operational activities.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within the food and beverage sector are available.
• Our client values its employees and fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment in Soweto .
• This position offers the chance to play a key role in a vital supply chain and advance your career in purchasing.