Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Category Buyer to drive category sourcing, supplier management, purchasing strategy, and commercial performance. The role will be responsible for ensuring the right product mix, competitive procurement costs, quality standards, and timely material availability while supporting business profitability and growth.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Category Strategy & Sourcing:

- Develop and implement category-specific buying and sourcing strategies.

- Identify new suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and sourcing opportunities.

- Evaluate product range, category trends, market demand, and competitor offerings.

- Optimize product assortment and category mix based on business requirements.

- Identify alternative sourcing opportunities to improve cost efficiency and supply continuity.

2. Vendor Management & Negotiations:

- Identify, assess, and onboard vendors based on quality, cost, delivery, and reliability.

- Negotiate pricing, credit terms, volume discounts, rebates, and commercial agreements.

- Build strategic relationships with key suppliers and conduct periodic performance reviews.

- Monitor supplier service levels and resolve pricing, quality, and delivery issues.

3. Commercial & Financial Management:

- Drive purchase cost optimization and category profitability.

- Track purchase prices, gross margins, category contribution, and cost savings.

- Analyze market prices, commodity movements, and supplier quotations.

- Develop annual procurement budgets and support cost-control initiatives.

- Identify opportunities to improve buying efficiency and commercial returns.

4. Inventory & Supply Chain Coordination:

- Ensure product availability through effective purchase planning and replenishment.

- Monitor inventory levels, stock ageing, slow-moving products, and stock-outs.

- Coordinate with supply chain, warehouse, sales, finance, and operations teams.

- Track purchase orders, delivery schedules, and supplier commitments.

- Support demand forecasting and inventory optimization initiatives.

5. Market Intelligence & Reporting:

- Track market trends, competitor pricing, product launches, and consumer preferences.

- Prepare category performance reports and supplier evaluation dashboards.

- Monitor key metrics, including procurement savings, margins, inventory turnover, and supplier performance.

- Recommend category expansion, product rationalization, and sourcing improvements.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.

- 3 - 8 years of experience in category buying, procurement, merchandising, or strategic sourcing.

- Experience in FMCG, food processing, retail, consumer goods, or distribution businesses.

- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation capabilities.

- Proficiency in MS Excel, ERP systems, and procurement tools.

- Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.