Senior Buyer - FMCG

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Provident fund

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to join our client’s procurement team. The role focuses on strategic sourcing and purchasing of raw materials, packaging, and finished goods essential for manufacturing operations.

You will negotiate contracts, optimize supplier performance, and help drive cost savings while maintaining quality and supply. The ideal candidate has 6+ years in purchasing, FMCG experience, SAP proficiency, and a track record of

Qualifications

• 6+ years in purchasing with at least 3 years in FMCG.
• Strong sourcing, negotiation and contract management experience.
• ERP proficiency (SAP) and advanced MS Excel skills.
• Leadership, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing initiatives for key FMCG categories, including ingredients, packaging materials, and consumables.
• Develop and implement category strategies to achieve cost reduction, quality improvement, and supply chain optimization.
• Conduct market analysis to identify cost drivers, supplier capabilities, and emerging trends.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers, ensuring favourable terms and conditions.
• Manage supplier performance, conduct regular reviews, and foster collaborative partnerships.
• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, and Operations teams to support new product development and launch initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with relevant departments to ensure adequate stock availability.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, ensuring business continuity.
• Prepare and present reports on procurement activities and savings achieved.

Skills

Negotiation

Strategic sourcing

Cost optimization

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

SAP

MS Excel

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company, is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to join their established procurement team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This critical role will focus on the strategic sourcing and purchasing of raw materials, packaging, and finished goods essential for our manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation skills, a deep understanding of the FMCG market, and a proven ability to drive cost savings while ensuring consistent quality and supply. This is an excellent opportunity to influence procurement strategies within a competitive and dynamic industry, contributing significantly from our Stellenbosch, Western Cape base. You will be responsible for managing key supplier relationships and optimizing the supply chain for efficiency and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing initiatives for key FMCG categories, including ingredients, packaging materials, and consumables.
• Develop and implement category strategies to achieve cost reduction, quality improvement, and supply chain optimization.
• Conduct comprehensive market analysis to identify cost drivers, supplier capabilities, and emerging trends.
• Negotiate complex contracts and agreements with suppliers, ensuring favourable terms and conditions.
• Manage supplier performance, conduct regular reviews, and foster collaborative partnerships.
• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, and Operations teams to support new product development and launch initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor inventory levels and work with relevant departments to ensure adequate stock availability.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, ensuring business continuity.
• Prepare and present reports on procurement activities, savings achieved, and market intelligence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in purchasing or procurement, with at least 3 years in the FMCG sector.
• Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing, negotiation, and contract management.
• Strong understanding of FMCG supply chain dynamics and market trends.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and advanced MS Excel skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Must be based in or able to commute to Stellenbosch, Western Cape .
• Professional certifications (e.g., CIPS) are an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, life insurance, and a generous provident fund. Opportunities for career advancement and professional development are readily available. You will work within a supportive and high-performing team environment in our modern facilities in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . We are committed to employee well-being and offer various wellness programs.