Junior Buyer (Bellville ) needed at Econo Foods

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

• The purpose of the Junior Buyer is to provide support to the Category Buyer in maintaining a sustainable base of strategic suppliers to ensure we are committed to Econofoods participation in the Grocery category.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic support to the category buyer in the selection, management, communications, and ongoing relationship management of suppliers within the GROCERIES CATEGORY.
• Support structure to Category Buyer to ensure we manage and develop a national supply base of suppliers meeting specified criteria
• Assist in the Management of GP expectations in accordance with budgets
• Assist in the management the Category within the Stock Days Governance Manual
• Maintaining the Private label Brand Identity, nationally with assistance of the Marketing department teams, ensuring their compliance & execution.
• Ensure the merchandising flows by format and by Cluster are executed and aligned to Category buyers guidance
• Maintain the category Data Integrity in accordance to the Hierarchy

OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Weekly business health checks to be done and sent to category buyer
• Assist in the reporting for supplier management to be ongoing with strategic quarterly reviews done with larger suppliers
• Weekly/Daily communication with suppliers with regards to rejections / complaints
• Manage supply base on DIFOT Reports – reports to be run and presented to category buyer
• Accountable for product quality, availability and inbound service levels
• Manage the product availability with suppliers during promotional periods
• Accountable for achieving set growth targets.
• Accountable for Achieving set GP% Targets
• Drive the direction on category flows & Planograms Implementation into the Econofoods Retail stores.
• Weekly update meetings with Planning and Buying Teams.
• Accurate stock planning particularly relevant during promotional and peak periods.
• Assist the category buyer on ordering patterns/co-loading/warehousing and Buying optimization working alongside the Supply Chain Manager and department buyers and planners.

Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Matric certificate or equivalent qualification.
• Diploma or Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Economics, or a related field (advantageous).
• Proven 2+ years of experience in an internship or entry-level experience in procurement, supply chain, or related field.
• Preference will be given for store operations, category knowledge, buying, and/or category management will be an advantage.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Ability to identify challenges and develop practical solutions to address them.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Attention to Detail: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Building and maintaining relationships with strong interpersonal skills – living out the company values and unique HO HOLA culture. 
• Friendly, helpful, confident yet humble, and able to work well in a team.
• Ability to work in a highly competitive, fast past and dynamic environment.
• Ability to communicate fluently in English (written and verbal).
• Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft.
• Strong communication skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.