Category Buyer

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!

To compile and execute the Cheese Category plans in line with the strategy, objectives and category group guidelines on format/margin and assortment strategies. To optimize the performance of the assigned categories by having clear category plans in place that are aligned to the strategy, category group guidelines and being customer focused.

Minimum Requirements:

Preferably relevant university Degree
3+ years retail Buying and Category Management experience essential in Cheese will be an added advantage
Proven and consistent success on financial KPI’s
Extensive commercial knowledge
In-depth knowledge of store operations combined with category knowledge and in store execution
SAP knowledge is an added advantage

Competencies:

Sound knowledge of buying fundamentals and in depth knowledge of product costings
Ability to understand building of recipes and factoring in various relatable costs, from raw material to packaging
Ability to understand and analyse complex detailed information to identify the source of the issues and recommend solutions to enhance the category performance
Have the understanding of all Commercial levers in Foods retail
Commerical and Financial Acumen
Judgement and Decision Making
Networking and Relationship Building
Excellent Communications skills (Verbal and Written)
Sound Negotiation and Influencing skills
Good Presentation skills

Key Responsibilities

Understand negotiating position, key drivers, and desired outcomes; develop and present factual, rational, and compelling arguments to build support and gain commitment from other parties; understand when to engage in counter-negotiations to reach win-win outcomes
Anticipate negotiating roadblocks and objections, ensuring any contractual agreements entered into are structured according to the regulatory controls in place
Develop and recommend business strategies that target category-specific growth
Evaluate merchandising plans and their business impact; make recommendaIdentify and recommend process improvements that target performance, quality, work efficiency / cost reduction
Maintain a solid working knowledge of assigned category, industry, and market; use knowledge of industry practices, business trends, distribution methods, and the competitive environment to develop buying plans
Implement and execute tactical buying plans, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as Pick n Pay’s overall business strategy
Integrate with Store Operations and Store teams to drive the implementation of the category plan
Communicate regularly with suppliers to mutually share financial and other performance criteria; use metrics to identify performance gaps and hold suppliers accountable for achieving financial and other mutually agreed upon goals; develop and implement contingency plans to close performance gaps
Demonstrate confidence and expertise when interacting with suppliers whilst reinforcing the importance of Pick n Pay’s values, buying strategies and corporate initiatives
Implement and execute Private Brand category strategy, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as PnP’s overall business strategy
Develop and implement action plans to enable the attainment of financial goals, leveraging knowledge of factors and trends that are likely to impact financial performance of the category

Closing Date: 12 September 2026

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

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