KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Procurement & Buying Support

• Assist in executing category buying strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Source products and suppliers in accordance with approved procurement processes.
• Support supplier negotiations relating to pricing, delivery schedules, promotional opportunities, and trading terms.
• Assist in maintaining an effective product portfolio that meets customer requirements and commercial targets.
• Process purchase orders and monitor supplier performance against agreed standards.
• Ensure product availability while minimizing excess stock and inventory risks.
• Support the implementation of category plans and product range reviews.

Supplier Management

• Build and maintain productive relationships with suppliers.
• Communicate supplier requirements and expectations clearly and professionally.
• Monitor supplier performance relating to pricing, quality, delivery, and service levels.
• Assist in resolving supplier-related issues and escalating concerns where necessary.
• Ensure supplier information and agreements are accurately maintained.

Category & Product Management

• Conduct market research to identify trends, new products, and competitive opportunities.
• Support the development and maintenance of product ranges within assigned categories.
• Assist with new product introductions and product discontinuations.
• Contribute to category reviews by gathering and analyzing sales and performance data.
• Ensure product information and specifications are accurately maintained.

Commercial Analysis & Reporting

• Monitor sales performance, stock movement, margins, and profitability.
• Prepare reports and analysis to support buying decisions.
• Assist in identifying opportunities for cost savings, margin improvement, and operational efficiencies.
• Support forecasting and demand planning activities.
• Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier records.

Inventory & Supply Chain Coordination

• Liaise with warehouse, logistics, and operations teams to ensure product availability.
• Monitor stock levels and assist in managing replenishment activities.
• Support inventory control processes to minimize stock shortages and overstock situations.
• Assist with demand forecasting and purchasing plans.
• Monitor supplier lead times and delivery performance.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure all products comply with applicable food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Support product documentation and compliance record management.
• Work closely with quality and technical teams to address product-related issues.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies and procedures.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including operations, finance, logistics, marketing, quality assurance, and warehouse teams.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to achieving departmental objectives.
• Support business initiatives, projects, and product launches.
• Maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes and efficiencies.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the buying function.
• Support the implementation of new systems, procedures, and best practices.
• Assist in developing and maintaining standard operating procedures.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Degree, Diploma, or equivalent qualification in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Management, Retail Management, Commerce, or a related field.
• Food Safety certification advantageous.
• Additional procurement or purchasing-related training will be beneficial.

Experience

• Minimum 1–3 years' experience in a Buying, Procurement, Purchasing, Supply Chain, or Category Administration role.
• Experience working with suppliers and procurement processes.
• Exposure to inventory management and purchasing systems.
• Experience within retail, FMCG, food, beverage, hospitality, travel retail, or related industries advantageous.
• Continuous improvement experience beneficial.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of procurement and buying principles.
• Understanding of supplier management processes.
• Basic commercial and financial acumen.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Ability to interpret supplier agreements and commercial terms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience using ERP, purchasing, inventory, or warehouse management systems advantageous.
• Understanding of stock management and forecasting principles.
• Knowledge of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Strong communication skills (verbal and written).
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Analytical and methodical approach to work.
• Effective problem-solving capability.
• Proactive and results-driven mindset.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS (KPAs)

• Product availability and stock management.
• Supplier performance and service delivery.
• Cost management and margin contribution.
• Accuracy of purchasing records and reporting.
• Compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
• Timely execution of purchasing activities.
• Support of category growth and product performance.
• Contribution to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stakeholder satisfaction and collaboration effectiveness.