Category Buyer (Bellville ) at Econo Foods

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

• The Category Buyer executes all inbound merchandise required to support the replenishment plan, ensuring suppliers deliver the correct product, in the correct quantity, at the correct cost and at the correct time.
• The role safeguards cost accuracy, manages supplier delivery reliability, ensures promotional readiness and supports category strategy while tightly aligning with the replenishment team to ensure uninterrupted product flow.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monthly & quarterly business health checks to be done.
• Supplier Management to be ongoing with strategic quarterly reviews done with larger suppliers.
• Working closely with the regional divisional retail & sales managers, for their assistance in relevant NPD requirements.
• Manage supply base on DIFOT Reports.
• Responsible for the reviewing of Supplier Agreements, in conjunction with the National procurement Manager.
• Accountable for product quality, availability and inbound service levels.
• Manage and guide the direct supply base.
• Product availability discussions with suppliers for promotional activations.
• Accountable for achieving set growth targets.
• Accountable for Achieving set GP% Targets.
• Management & direction on category flows & Planograms Implementation into the Econofoods Retail stores.
• Interaction and collaboration with national Retail Operations teams to ensure retail leadership and collaboration, executing strategy to maximize sales, market share gains, market segmentation and profitability
• Weekly update meetings with Planning and Buying Teams.14.Accurate stock planning particularly relevant during promotional and peak periods.15.Ordering patterns/co-loading/warehousing and Buying optimization working alongside the Supply Chain Manager and department buyers and planners.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• 3 year Degree or Diploma in Supply Chain, Procurement, Logistics or Commerce.
• 2–6 years in inbound procurement or retail buying withinn the FMCG space.
• Strong Excel and commercial numeracy proficiency.

Preferred:

• CIPS Level 4+
• SAPICS Certificate
• Short courses in supplier management or procurement analytics

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills, aligned to the HO HOLA values.
• Friendly, helpful, confident, humble, and team-oriented with strong emotional intelligence.
• Ability to operate in a competitive, high-pressure, dynamic retail environment.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to influence and build trust.
• High accuracy, attention to detail, and strong administrative capability.
• Demonstrates integrity, ownership, resilience, and a willingness to go the extra mile.