SUMMARY:
Junior Buyer (6-Month Contract) Remote
Kempton Park

Purpose of the Role
The Junior Buyer is responsible for supporting the procurement, sourcing, category management, supplier coordination, and product lifecycle activities across food, beverage, and retail product categories. The role assists in ensuring product availability, profitability, compliance, and operational efficiency while contributing to the achievement of sales, margin, and customer satisfaction objectives.
The incumbent will work closely with suppliers, internal stakeholders, logistics teams, and category managers to support buying activities, product launches, stock management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

POSITION INFO:

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.