FMCG Buyer

Job Title: FMCG Buyer
Location: Montague Gardens, Cape Town
Company: Caterlink SA

About Caterlink:
Caterlink is an established foodservice supplier to the hospitality industry across Cape Town and surrounding areas. With a reputation for quality, reliability, and service excellence, we supply a comprehensive range of dry, chilled, and frozen foods, as well as cleaning supplies and kitchen smalls. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a detail-oriented and commercially minded FMCG Buyer to join our dynamic team.

Role purpose:

As an FMCG Buyer at Caterlink, you will ensure that the right products are available at the right time and at the right price. You will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing a wide range of products across ambient, chilled, frozen, and non-food categories. Your role is key to maintaining our competitive edge, ensuring product availability, and meeting customer expectations.

Key responsibilities:

• Product sourcing and procurement:
  Source and purchase products across multiple categories with the best possible quality, availability, and pricing. Take into account factors such as supplier reliability, logistical costs, and trading terms.
• Supplier negotiation:
  Negotiate pricing, delivery terms, volumes, and contracts with suppliers to secure favourable trading conditions and cost savings.
• Inventory management:
  Monitor stock levels and sales performance, adjusting purchasing plans to maintain optimal inventory. Avoid both stockouts and overstock scenarios that can lead to losses.
• Supplier relationship management:
  Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring transparent and ethical trading practices. Stay current on market trends and identify new supplier opportunities through trade shows and industry events.
• Cross-department collaboration:
  Work closely with internal teams—marketing, sales, operations, and finance—to ensure alignment of procurement strategy with broader business goals and operational needs.
• Financial management and budgeting:
  Ensure all procurement activity aligns with budget constraints. Report on purchasing performance, price fluctuations, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Product lifecycle management:
  Oversee product introductions, delisting’s, and substitutions in coordination with customer requirements and operational efficiency.

Candidate requirements:

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a buying or procurement role, ideally within the foodservice, FMCG, or hospitality supply industry.
• Strong understanding of sourcing, negotiation, and supply chain principles
• Excellent analytical, planning, and decision-making skills
• Proficient in Excel and procurement systems
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
• Relevant qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, or similar field is preferred

Why join Caterlink?

• Work with a reputable and established company in the foodservice industry
• Work in a collaborative environment with a team that values initiative and results
• Play a key role in a business where your decisions have real commercial impact
• Salary is negotiable based on experience
• Staff discounts

To apply:

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter to abigail@caterlink.co.za using the subject line: "FMCG Buyer Application – [Your Name]".

Company Description

Caterlink is a well-established FMCG distributor to the hospitality industry in Cape Town.

Posted on 27 May 17:02, Closing date 26 Jul