Senior Buyer - Fmcg Supplies

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Private healthcare

Retirement benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Site-based role in Tembisa

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Buyer for a top South African FMCG manufacturer in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will oversee procurement of raw materials, packaging, and operating supplies, driving cost savings and ensuring supply continuity.

Lead negotiations with national and international suppliers, manage performance reviews, and align sourcing with production schedules. A dynamic, site-based role with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in SCM, Logistics or related field.
• 7+ years in procurement with FMCG exposure.
• Proven large-scale negotiation and cost-reduction experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic sourcing for raw materials, packaging and indirect goods.
• Lead supplier negotiations for pricing and terms.
• Manage supplier relationships and perform regular reviews.
• Monitor market trends and supply risks to protect continuity.
• Coordinate with R&D, production and QA to align procurement with schedules.
• Oversee order-to-payment cycle and enforce compliance.
• Refine procurement policies to cut costs and boost efficiency.
• Identify new suppliers offering cost or quality advantages.
• Manage inventory with logistics to minimize waste.

Skills

Negotiation

Strategic sourcing

Supplier management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM / Logistics / Business Administration

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

About the Role

A prominent Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) manufacturer is actively seeking a Senior Buyer to oversee the procurement of raw materials, packaging, and operational supplies for their facility located in Tembisa, Gauteng . This critical role demands a strategic thinker with a robust understanding of the FMCG supply chain, exceptional negotiation skills, and a proven track record of optimizing procurement processes to enhance profitability and ensure supply continuity. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving cost-saving initiatives, managing supplier relationships, and mitigating supply chain risks within a highly competitive market. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead procurement efforts for a key player in the South African FMCG sector, based in the vibrant industrial area of Tembisa .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies for raw materials, packaging components, and indirect goods and services.
• Lead negotiations with national and international suppliers to secure competitive pricing, favourable payment terms, and ensure high-quality standards.
• Manage and nurture relationships with a diverse portfolio of suppliers, conducting regular performance reviews and driving continuous improvement.
• Monitor market trends, commodity prices, and global supply chain dynamics to anticipate potential disruptions and identify opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with research and development, production, and quality assurance teams to align procurement activities with product innovation and manufacturing schedules.
• Oversee the entire procurement cycle, from requisition to payment, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
• Implement and refine procurement policies and procedures to enhance operational effectiveness and control costs.
• Identify and evaluate new potential suppliers that can offer competitive advantages in terms of cost, quality, or innovation.
• Manage inventory levels for procured items, working with logistics to optimize stock holding and minimize waste.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and ethical sourcing standards in the Gauteng region.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, with significant exposure to the FMCG industry.
• Proven expertise in negotiating large-scale contracts and achieving measurable cost reductions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration across departments and with external partners.
• Proficiency in major ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and procurement management software.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding work environment characteristic of Tembisa .
• In-depth knowledge of the South African FMCG market and its supply chain complexities.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and the ability to mentor junior team members.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) are highly desirable.

Benefits

• The company offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with an annual bonus incentive tied to performance.
• Comprehensive private healthcare and retirement benefits are provided.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advanced training are actively encouraged.
• This is a site-based role in Tembisa , offering full immersion in the operational environment, with occasional travel to supplier sites.

Join a forward-thinking organization that values expertise and contributes significantly to the South African economy.