FMCG Buyer - Durban

SUMMARY:
The FMCG Buyer is responsible for the strategic sourcing, negotiation, and procurement of goods from both local and international suppliers. This role requires a deep understanding of market dynamics, supplier relationship management, and international trade compliance. The Buyer works closely with Business Development, Marketing, Finance, Logistics, and Compliance teams to ensure timely, cost-effective, and compliant procurement of goods that meet business needs across various global markets.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Sourcing and Procurement

• Develop and implement procurement strategies tailored to specific international and domestic markets.
• Source and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, reliability, and capacity.
• Negotiate favourable trading terms (contracts, pricing, payment terms, and rebate agreements).
• Stay informed on market trends, competitor products, and price movements to ensure best value for the business.

1. Supplier and Vendor Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing suppliers.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and monthly meetings with strategic vendors.
• Onboard new suppliers, ensuring full documentation (COAs, ISO, Halal/Kosher certifications, etc.) is collected and managed.
• Actively build and support smaller suppliers to grow their capability and capacity.

1. Supply Chain, Logistics and Operations

• Coordinate procurement activities with warehousing, shipping, and export teams.
• Manage documentation and compliance with international trade regulations.
• Oversee timely delivery of goods and handle any issues such as short shipments or damaged stock.
• Work closely with export controllers and logistics partners to ensure seamless supply chain execution.

1. Cross-functional Collaboration

• Liaise with Business Development Managers (BDMs), Export Controllers (ECs), and Marketing to align product selection with market needs.
• Collaborate on catalogues, POS material, and promotional planning for export markets.
• Assist with forecasts and ensure alignment between procurement planning and business development initiatives.

1. Risk and Compliance

• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies and international trade laws.
• Work with the compliance team to maintain up-to-date documentation and mitigate risks.
• Address and resolve any supplier performance issues and manage procurement-related risks such as FX, supply disruptions, or political instability.

1. Cost Management and Reporting

• Track and analyse procurement costs and identify opportunities for cost optimization.
• Support finance with claims processing and pricing-related reconciliations.
• Prepare procurement reports, purchasing, supplier performance reviews, budgets, forecasting and cost-saving initiatives.

1. Daily Activities and Task Management

• Maintain and update product listings and delisting’s.
• Handle new product innovations, discontinuations, and catalogue requests.
• Manage internal queries from Business Development Manager and Export Coordinators.
• Review and approve price lists and Distribution Centre pricing.
• Upload pricing, documents, and maintain supplier data.
• Participate in internal meetings and maintain detailed meeting minutes.

• +5 years proven experience in FMCG procurement.
• Experienced in international procurement.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication abilities.
• Required Software Proficiencies: Knowledge of at least one major ERP and advanced Excel.

• Matric and BCom (Bachelor of Commerce) with majors in Purchasing, Supply Chain, or Economics or similar.

• Strategic thinking, commercial acumen, market awareness.
• Supplier relationship management. Cross-functional collaboration.
• Time management. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.

• Risk management. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.