Procurement Officer / Buyer FMCG & Retail/JHBResponsibilities:Manage end-to-end procurement of FMCG and retail goods, from sourcing and negotiations to purchase order execution.Develop and maintain a reliable supplier base, ensuring competitive pricing, quality standards, and consistent supply.Work closely with merchandising and planning teams to forecast demand and align procurement with sales cycles and promotional calendars.Analyze sales data, trends, and seasonal factors to make informed buying decisions.Lead negotiations on cost, payment terms, MOQs, delivery timelines, and rebates.Monitor inventory levels across retail locations and adjust buying plans to optimize stock turns and reduce excess.Ensure compliance with procurement policies and support ethical sourcing practices.Continuously evaluate supplier performance and conduct regular reviews.Identify new product opportunities and introduce innovative or trending retail products.Coordinate with logistics and warehouse teams to ensure timely delivery and smooth stock flow.Requirements:Bachelors degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Retail Management, or related field.Minimum 35 years of proven experience in procurement or buying within the FMCG and/or retail sector.Strong negotiation, planning, and supplier relationship management skills.Proficient in ERP systems and procurement software (e.g., SAP, Sage, Oracle, or similar).Sound understanding of retail cycles, customer behaviour, and product lifecycles.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Analytical thinker with the ability to interpret numbers and forecast trends.Ability to manage multiple categories and meet strict deadlines in a fast-moving environment.Preferred Skills & Competencies:Category buying expertise (e.g., food, household, personal care, etc.)Vendor and product sourcing (local and international)Retail stock flow and replenishment understandingStrategic procurement planningStrong commercial and business acumen
