Strategic Senior Grocery Category Buyer – Cape Town

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Leave benefits

Staff discounts

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Category Buyer to oversee the grocery category for a major national supermarket chain in Cape Town, Western Cape. You will develop and execute procurement strategies, manage supplier negotiations, and drive growth and profitability across the category.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in category management or buying in FMCG, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and a proven leadership record.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or Supply Chain.
• 7+ years in category management or buying in grocery/FMCG.
• Proven success in negotiating complex deals with suppliers.
• Strong understanding of retail dynamics in SA.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Leadership experience and budgeting ability.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and execution for grocery procurement.
• Identify and secure new suppliers and products.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and supply agreements.
• Analyze market trends and consumer behavior.
• Manage category P&L and profitability targets.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales on launches.
• Ensure food safety regulations and quality standards.
• Monitor supplier performance and take corrective actions.
• Mentor junior buyers within the grocery category.
• Optimize inventory and reduce waste in the supply chain.

Skills

Negotiation

Category management

FMCG knowledge

Supplier relations

Data analytics

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/Supply Chain

Tools

ERP systems

Retail analytics software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Category Buyer to oversee the grocery category for a major national supermarket chain in Cape Town, Western Cape. You will develop and execute procurement strategies, manage supplier negotiations, and drive growth and profitability across the category.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in category management or buying in FMCG, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and a proven leadership record.