Job Purpose

The Senior Buyer is responsible for leading procurement activities across assigned categories to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and compliant sourcing of raw materials, non-inventory items, and packaging. The role focuses on strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, cost optimisation, and risk mitigation while ensuring continuity of supply and alignment with company policies and operational requirements.

Ideal candidate must be available immediately.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Lead and execute competitive sourcing and tendering activities, including supplier evaluation, negotiation, and recommendation.

• Manage end-to-end procurement activities from requisition review through purchase order placement, delivery coordination, and issue resolution.

• Monitor supplier performance and proactively address supply risks that may impact operations.

• Analyse market trends, pricing movements, and supplier capabilities to support informed buying decisions.

• Develop, maintain, and manage a comprehensive supplier database, including supplier screening, onboarding, and performance reviews.

• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with suppliers, managing escalations, disputes, and service issues as required.

• Ensure goods and services are procured in accordance with approved specifications, quality standards, delivery timelines, and cost targets.

• Maintain accurate procurement records, including purchase history, pricing, contracts, and sourcing documentation.

• Prepare and present procurement reports to management, including spend analysis, historical purchasing trends, cost variance reports, and supplier performance metrics.

• Identify and support cost reduction and value improvement initiatives across assigned categories.

• Develop demand forecasts and Open to Buy budgets for assigned categories, ensuring optimal stock levels based on lead times and business requirements.

• Support operational supplier management by tracking and reporting on supplier performance in line with contractual and service level agreements.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, procurement procedures, and OSHA guidelines at all times.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of category sourcing strategies and category roadmaps.

• Contribute to procurement policy development, process improvements, and system enhancements.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align procurement activities with operational and commercial objectives.

• Support risk management, governance, and internal controls within the procurement function.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field, or a Diploma in CIPS or equivalent professional certification.

• Minimum of 4–6 years’ experience in purchasing or supply chain, with experience in a senior or lead buying role.

• Experience within food manufacturing, FMCG, hospitality, or a related industry would be an asset.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis and reporting.

• Experience using procurement or ERP systems. Familiarity with GP  and SAP will be considered an asset.

• Proven experience in supplier negotiation, category management, and cost analysis.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of procurement and vendor sourcing practices.

• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and commercial skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• High level of accuracy, organisation, and attention to detail.

• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.

• Sound judgement and decision-making ability.

Physical and Travel Requirements

• The role involves extended periods of desk-based work.

• Moderate domestic and occasional international travel to supplier and client locations may be required.

Unsuitable candidates will not be acknowledged.