Purchasing Manager (Fresh)

Application Closing Date:

28 Oct 2026

Compensation Grade:

D Upper

Purpose of the Role:

The purpose of this position is to drive DC sales, grow retail loyalty, meet DC and retail GP targets while gaining market share through careful planning and purchasing of the correct stock, on time and in line with the retailer requirements.

Job Description :

• Management of promotions planning

• Achievement of sales and gross profit targets

• Ensuring product pricing competitiveness against competitors and budgeted retail margins to members

• Delivering on the defined service levels to retailers

• Development of internal controls to manage and report on Category Managers’ key performance areas

• Driving product development

• Overseeing Warehouse stock levels in line with budgeted expectations

• Management of the performance of suppliers from a pricing, product, and service level aspect

• Negotiation of trading terms and supplier SLA’s

• Control department administration and expenses

• Assisting in providing leadership to the Marketing team

• Providing category leadership to the Marketing team and SPAR Retail Members

• Ad hoc tasks and duties
• Minimum 5 years management experience in an FMCG environment

• Tertiary qualification in Marketing/Advertising

• A proven track record on the ability to develop suppliers at grassroot level to compliant SPAR suppliers

• Have demonstrated ability to collaborate cross functionally across supply chain

• Computer Literacy

• Strategic decision-making skills

• Ability to plan and organize

• Ability to trade aggressively

• Develop a comprehensive marketing and promotional strategy
• Strong interpersonal skills

• Strong leadership and management skills

• Good negotiator with entrepreneurial skills

• Good communicator (written and verbal)

• Team player

• Ability to manage and lead high level meetings/negotiations with Retailers and Suppliers

• Ability to provide mentorship and direction for team

• Have a good understanding of the SPAR model and our Retailer needs

• Demonstrated ability in handling conflict situations and reaching mutually acceptable outcomes

Education:

National Diploma: Marketing, National Senior Certificate _Matric (Required)

Skills:

Buying Process, Communication, Conflict Management, FMCG Industry, Marketing, Mentorship, Microsoft Office, Negotiation, Procurement, Retail Trade, Strategic Decisions, Supply Chain

Competencies :

Work Experience :

Similar work experience

Employment Equity:

SPAR Eastern Cape is an equal opportunity employer. All positions are advertised in accordance with the Company’s Employment Equity Policy.