Senior Buyer

Ergasia Placements; Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Ergasia Placements is recruiting a Senior Buyer for a large FMCG wholesaler in Harrismith. You will manage purchasing across key categories to maintain product availability and protect gross margins.

You will lead supplier negotiations, plan replenishment based on sales forecasts, and leverage React Solutions ERP to support commercial decisions and reporting. On-site work in Harrismith is required.

Qualifications

• Over 10 years of FMCG buying experience in retail, wholesale, distribution or similar.
• Grade 12 / Matric with proven purchasing category management and supplier negotiations.
• Strong knowledge of demand forecasting, stock replenishment, lead times, minimum order quantities, shelf life and margins.
• Proficient in purchasing and inventory ERP systems; React Solutions preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills including data analysis and pivot tables.

Responsibilities

• Develop buying plans and product ranges aligned with wholesale demand and budgets.
• Source products, compare delivered costs, quality, availability and supplier reliability.
• Negotiate prices, terms, rebates, delivery schedules and order quantities.
• Manage supplier agreements and performance; address shortages and price discrepancies.
• Maintain alternative supply sources and flag stock risks impacting profitability.

Skills

Demand forecasting

Stock replenishment

Supplier negotiations

Commercial performance analysis

Analytical thinking

Planning

Budget management

Education

Diploma or degree in Procurement, SCM

Tools

React Solutions

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Purpose of the role

Manage FMCG purchasing for a Wholesaler, in Harrismith, to maintain product availability, achieve competitive buying costs and protect gross margins. The Senior Buyer will lead supplier negotiations, plan wholesale replenishment and use React Solutions ERP to manage purchasing information and support commercial decisions.

Essential candidate requirements:

More than 10 years of experience as a Buyer, with substantial, proven FMCG buying experience in retail, wholesale, distribution or a comparable FMCG business.

• Grade 12 / Matric and a demonstrated track record of managing purchasing categories, supplier negotiations and commercial performance.
• Strong knowledge of demand forecasting, stock replenishment, supplier lead times, minimum order quantities, product shelf life and gross margins.
• Proficiency in purchasing and inventory ERP systems. Practical experience with React Solutions is strongly preferred; the successful candidate must be able to use the system effectively.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, pivot tables and purchasing reports.
• Ability to work on-site in Harrismith.

Key responsibilities:

Purchasing and supplier management:

• Develop buying plans and product ranges for assigned FMCG categories, aligned with wholesale customer demand, sales forecasts and approved budgets.
• Source suitable products and suppliers; compare total delivered costs, quality, availability and supplier reliability.
• Negotiate prices, payment terms, rebates, promotional contributions, delivery schedules and order quantities.
• Manage supplier agreements and performance; resolve shortages, price discrepancies, delivery failures and quality concerns.
• Maintain alternative sources of supply and elevate risks that could affect stock availability or profitability.

Stock planning and commercial performance

• Analyse sales, stock movement and seasonality to plan replenishment and promotional purchases.
• Balance product availability with working capital, reducing overstocking, slow-moving stock and expiry losses.
• Review price changes, buying costs and margins; identify and report measurable savings and trading opportunities.

Preferred qualifications and experience

• Diploma or degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Commerce or a related discipline.
• CIPS qualification or membership would be advantageous.
• Experience with a broad FMCG product range, high-volume purchasing and promotional buying.
• Evidence of successful cost negotiations, improved stock availability and reduced ageing inventory.

Core competencies

Commercial judgement; negotiation; analytical thinking; attention to detail; supplier relationship management; clear communication; planning; accountability; and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure. Customer Service orientated.