Procurement Assistant: Fruit at Woolworths

Introduction

• To achieve the Procurement team goals by providing administrative support to the Procurement Manager and the Buyer to ensure the smooth running of the department.

Job description

• Perform essential administrative tasks, including document management and report preparation, to support the smooth functioning of the team.
• Maintaining and updating the Grower Programs
• Communicate daily with suppliers to coordinate product availability and facilitate weekly reconciliations.
• ​Liaise with buyers and planners to ensure product supply meets demand, initiating corrective actions as needed.
• Provide support in managing orders and maintaining accurate static data records.
• Support the commercial team with general administrative tasks, including price and pack updates for suppliers.
• Prepare departmental reports, presentations, and supporting documents across Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Conduct market comparisons, update promotional calendars, and assist in managing departmental operating expenses.
• Ensure timely follow-up on outstanding issues stemming from meeting minutes.
• Coordinate logistics for meetings, including room bookings, book travel on TravelIT and other travel arrangements, and parking.
• Compile, update, and maintain organized supplier files.
• Support on Category Development running of Qlicksense reports to summarise data and update presentations
• Support monthly commercial presentations, contract preparations, and trading terms documentation.
• Manage ad-hoc queries and perform other administrative duties as they arise, including critical tasks during events.

Minimum requirements
Technical Skills:

• ​Minimum of two years of relevant administrative experience, preferably within a retail or commercial environment.
• Diploma or Matric (Grade 12) qualification required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with strong skills in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Familiarity with COGNOS, CAM, JDA, and Oracle systems is advantageous.
• Basic understanding of retail accounting practices, including expense management and reconciliation.
• Foundational knowledge of buying and planning principles within a retail or supply chain setting.

Behavioural Skills:

• ​Strong team player, able to work effectively across varying levels within the team.
• Highly organized, with a strong orientation towards efficient administrative processes.
• Proactive, with the initiative to anticipate the Buyer’s needs and address them in advance.
• Capable of making routine decisions independently in the Buyer’s absence.
• Demonstrates solid planning and organizational skills.
• Effective communicator, both verbally and in writing.
• Deadline-driven, with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a customer service-oriented approach.
• Able to perform well under pressure, maintaining high standards of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Integrity and professionalism, with the ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Results-oriented, with a proactive mindset and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Naturally connects with and supports colleagues to foster a collaborative environment.