Buyer: Foodservices at Woolworths

Introduction

​To procure a range of products to meet the business objectives of profit, excellent quality, and availability, thereby driving the market share and profitability of the Foodservices category. To manage a broad supplier base, building effective and collaborative relationships in support of the aforementioned.

Job description

• Develop and execute category strategy to ensure delivery of operational excellence
• Support the co-ordination of the matrix team in order to deliver the category strategy.
• Drive market share and profitability of the category.
• Deliver against operational excellence and KPIs for the category
• Submit weekly W Café and W Now Now Procurement Plans to meet WW Foodservices requirements.
• Implement & Manage supplier Open Book Costing Models.
• Manage financial indicators and all expenses.
• Conduct continuous review of supplier performance against plan and course correct based on variables/changes
• Manage Supplier Category Growth Funds.
• Develop and implement pricing and promotional strategies.
• Input into the NPD process, considering product and price tiers as well as commercial KPI's.
• Give input to the planning and forecasting of raw materials/ingredients.
• Build and manage relationships with a diverse range of suppliers / team members.
• Mentor and support the development of Buyers Assistants
• Integrate with Marketing, Operations, and Partners to maximize sales in stores.
• Liaise with Distribution regarding Supply Chain issues.
• Monitor and react to industry and international trends.

Minimum requirements

• B Tertiary diploma/degree in Finance or Management / Cost Accounting with strong Excel skills.
• Clear understanding of margin, GP mechanics and influencing factors.
• Proactive & Innovative (energy) with a continuous improvement mindset will be vital.
• Procurement & Buying experience within a hospitality, retail, FMCG environment.
• Knowledge of store operations, customer profiles, locations & competitors.
• A minimum of 5 years Buying experience.
• Technical understanding of the Foodservices category is advantageous.
• Proven sourcing and supplier management experience.
• Commercial skills and experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of Supply Chain concepts, processes, and systems applicable to Foodservices
• Understanding of factors influencing a product's cost and selling prices.
• Proven ability to co-ordinate and deliver the category operating plan.
• Strong integrator across a Matrix Team with proven leadership skills and people management skills, as well as the ability to coach and mentor junior team members.
• Strong negotiation and financial management skills.
• Proactive & Innovative with a continuous improvement mindset
• Is able to consistently convey information clearly and confidently when interacting with teams
• Proven ability to deliver the following category KPIs:
• Market share
• Sales growth (like for like)
• Gross Profit (Percentage and Cash)
• People Management
• Supplier performance
• ROS (waste/ shrinkage/departmental charges/sample costs)
• Supplier order fills.
• Quality / high standard mindset.
• Strong customer orientation - sound business acumen; commercial awareness; good judgment; emotional resilience.
• Entrepreneurial – ability to initiate and implement innovative and viable business ideas and to accept accountability for the outcome.
• Team player with understanding of diversity.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.