Category Buyer at Boardroom Appointments

• This role is ideal for a buyer who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment and has a strong understanding of supplier management, category performance, stock availability, promotional planning and commercial negotiations.
• As the Category Buyer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the right products are available at the right price, in the right quantities and at the right time, while building strong supplier partnerships that support business growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage supplier relationships and conduct regular supplier performance reviews.
• Execute monthly and quarterly category business health checks.
• Ensure product availability while maintaining optimal stock levels.
• Negotiate competitive pricing, trading terms and promotional support with suppliers.
• Monitor supplier delivery performance and improve DIFOT (Delivered In Full On Time) metrics.
• Review and maintain supplier agreements in conjunction with Procurement.
• Drive category growth, profitability and gross profit targets.
• Collaborate with Merchandise Planning, Supply Chain and Retail Operations teams to ensure effective forecasting and replenishment.
• Support New Product Development (NPD) initiatives with regional sales and operations teams.
• Ensure promotional stock readiness and successful execution of promotional campaigns.
• Manage category flow, merchandising standards and planogram implementation.
• Analyse sales trends, inventory levels and supplier performance to make commercially sound buying decisions.
• Participate in weekly planning and buying meetings to align business priorities.

Minimum Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics, Commerce or a related field.
• 2–6 years' experience in Retail Buying or Procurement within the FMCG industry.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical and numerical ability.
• Experience working with supplier performance management and inventory planning.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume retail environment.

Advantageous

• CIPS Level 4 or higher.
• SAPICS Certification.
• Additional training in Supplier Management, Procurement or Commercial Analytics.

Key Competencies

• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management ability.
• Commercially minded with sound business judgement.
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong planning and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to analyse data and make informed commercial decisions.
• Resilient and able to perform under pressure.
• High levels of integrity, accountability and ownership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative team player with a customer-focused mindset.