Buyer - FMCG (Retail)

SUMMARY:
Buyer - FMCG (Retail)

POSITION INFO:

Position: Buyer – FMCG / Retail

Location: Jhb/Midrand

Industry: Quick Commerce | FMCG | Retail

Remuneration: R300K – R400K per annum (CTC) + potential performance-based incentives

Working Model: Hybrid (3 days in office / 2 days remote)

Company Overview: The company is a rapidly growing player in the quick commerce space, with 18 national sites currently operational and plans to expand to 25 by year-end. The company operates fast-paced, dark-store-style convenience retail locations, servicing customers with 60-minute delivery across a variety of product categories.

Role Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic, relationship-driven Buyer with proven experience in FMCG and/or retail procurement to join this fast-growing and fast-paced business.

This is a senior individual contributor role with responsibility for national buying across 3,000+ SKUs including groceries, liquor, vapes, fresh produce, imported goods, and personal care items.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own the end-to-end buying function: supplier engagement, product selection, pricing, ordering, and negotiation.

• Analyse inventory trends and sales data to inform stock decisions and promotions.

• Maintain and develop strong supplier relationships, securing best prices, improved payment terms, and new product listings.

• Negotiate proactively on pricing, deals, and promotions — always with a commercial and margin-driven mindset.

• Visit stores to assess merchandising, stock quality, and sales performance.

• Collaborate with stock controllers, systems personnel, and warehouse staff to streamline supply chain operations.

• Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers or improve the supply chain across multiple categories.

• Support KPI-based initiatives — such as cost savings, stock turnaround times, and promotional uplift. Candidate Profile:

• 3–5 years’ buying/procurement experience within an FMCG and/or retail environment is essential.

• Strong understanding of fast-paced, high-SKU environments.

• Excellent negotiation, relationship-building, and supplier management skills.

• Analytical and commercially astute — able to spot trends and act on them quickly.

• Comfortable with being hands-on at store level.

• Although working hours are structured (typically 8am–5pm), some after-hours responsiveness may be required based on operational needs.

• Strong verbal communication skills and confident phone manner.

• Independent, energetic, and comfortable working in a hybrid, high-accountability role.