Purchasing Manager FMCG at SPAR Group
SPAR Group · Gauteng
Overview
SPAR Group is looking for a Purchasing Manager to join their Gauteng team. This is a permanent role where you will drive turnover, grow market share and maximise profits by planning and buying stock that keeps retailers happy. If you have at least 5 years of management experience in FMCG and a marketing qualification, this could be your next big move in retail buying.
About the role
SPAR Group is hiring a Purchasing Manager to aggressively drive turnover and grow market share by sourcing the right stock at the right price and ensuring it lands on time. You will be at the heart of the retail supply chain, making sure promotions run smoothly, pricing stays competitive, and suppliers deliver what they promise.
Your day to day will involve planning promotions, hitting sales and gross profit targets, managing warehouse stock levels, building supplier relationships and keeping internal controls strong. You will also give leadership to the Marketing team and work closely with SPAR Retail Members to meet their needs.
This role suits someone who thrives in a fast paced FMCG environment, can trade aggressively and confidently, and has a proven track record of developing suppliers from the ground up. Strong planning, negotiation and leadership skills are key, along with the ability to manage conflict and keep everyone aligned.
Requirements
- Grade 12 or National Senior Certificate (Matric)
- Tertiary qualification in Marketing or Advertising
- At least 5 years of management experience in an FMCG environment
- Proven ability to develop suppliers from grassroots level to compliant SPAR suppliers
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross functionally across the supply chain
- Computer literate
- Strong strategic decision making skills
- Ability to plan, organise and trade aggressively
- Strong negotiation, interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
- Strong leadership and people management abilities
- Ability to manage high level meetings and negotiations with retailers and suppliers
- Experience with conflict management and reaching mutually acceptable outcomes
- Team player with a mentorship mindset
- Good understanding of the SPAR model and retailer needs
Responsibilities
- Plan and manage promotions
- Achieve sales and gross profit targets
- Ensure product pricing is competitive and aligns with budgeted retail margins for members
- Deliver defined service levels to retailers
- Develop internal controls to manage and report on buyer key performance areas
- Drive product development
- Oversee warehouse stock levels in line with budgeted expectations
- Manage supplier performance on pricing, product and service levels
- Control department administration and expenses
- Assist in providing leadership to the Marketing team
- Provide category leadership to the Marketing team and SPAR Retail Members
- Handle ad hoc tasks and duties as they arise
Job details
- Organisation
- SPAR Group
- Location
- Gauteng
- Job type
- Full time
- Experience level
- Mid (5+ years)
- Education
- Bachelor
- Category
- Logistics & Supply Chain
- Application Method
- Apply manually
Success Guide
This is a mid level management role at SPAR Group, one of South Africa's biggest retail brands. To stand out, make sure your CV clearly shows your FMCG management experience and any time you have developed suppliers or negotiated deals. The interview process will likely focus on your ability to drive sales, manage supplier relationships and handle conflict. Be ready to talk about specific promotions you have run and how you measured success. If you have a marketing qualification alongside your buying experience, highlight that too because this role works closely with the Marketing team. Dress professionally and bring examples of times you have had to make tough decisions quickly. Good luck!
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