Purpose of the job:
To support the local procurement team with the timely, cost-effective, and compliant acquisition of locally sourced packaging, raw materials, and ingredients. The Junior Buyer will be responsible for end-to-end purchase administration, supplier communication, GRV processing, and ensuring that procurement activities support business continuity, stock optimization, and food safety standards. This role is focused exclusively on local buying and excludes import-related responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities & Outcomes
- Purchase Order Management: Create accurate and timely purchase orders for local suppliers. Ensure all orders align with procurement schedules and forecast needs. Confirm all orders within 24 hours and update expected delivery dates.
- Expediting and Follow-Up: Proactively follow up with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery. Escalate delays and discrepancies to procurement and planning teams. Keep updated ETAs logged in the procurement tracker.
- Supplier Communication & Administration: Maintain open daily communication with key local suppliers. Keep supplier contact lists and pricing files up to date. Ensure quotes and pricing are regularly reviewed and filed.
- Competitive Pricing Management: Source multiple quotes where applicable. Track price fluctuations and identify cost-saving opportunities. Flag any price increases or anomalies for approval.
- GRV (Goods Received Voucher) Processing: Ensure timely and accurate processing of GRVs in collaboration with the warehouse. Match GRVs to POs and supplier invoices. Resolve GRV discrepancies with suppliers or internal teams promptly.
- Stock Monitoring Support: Monitor local stockholding and alert the team to overstock or stockout risks. Compare forecast vs actual usage and recommend adjustments.
- Data Entry & Record Keeping: Maintain 100% accurate procurement data across all trackers. Ensure POs, quotes, GRVs, and compliance docs are correctly filed.
- Support Forecasting Activities: Assist in collecting historical consumption and lead time data. Provide insight into supplier reliability and ordering trends.
- Vendor Performance Tracking: Log supplier performance issues, late deliveries, and non-conformances. Participate in quarterly supplier reviews and performance scoring.
- Support Food Safety & Compliance: Ensure full documentation (CoA, CoC, specifications) is requested and delivered by suppliers.
- Internal Collaboration: Work daily with warehouse, planning, and finance teams. Participate in weekly procurement and stock planning meetings.
Key Competencies
- Attention to Detail: Ensures accurate orders, GRVs, and data entries
- Communication: Clear, professional supplier and internal team interaction
- Time Management: Prioritizes workload to meet order cycles and delivery windows
- Proactivity & Initiative: Actively follows up on deliveries and pricing discrepancies
- Analytical Thinking: Uses reports to identify trends and opportunities
- Team Collaboration: Supports team priorities and helps solve cross-functional issues
Required Experience & Qualifications
- Diploma or degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (preferred)
- 1–2 years’ experience in a purchasing or administrative supply chain role (FMCG or food industry preferred)
- Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and PO/GRV processes
- Familiarity with GRV systems, supplier documentation, and basic food safety principles (advantageous)
If you have not heard from us in two weeks’ after the closing date for application, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: R20 000,00 - R25 000,00 per month
Work Location: In person