The VKB Group is an agricultural company, providing support to farmers and producing straight-from-the farm-foods for consumers. Apart from the various consumer brands, the VKB Group is also represented by its regional brands: VKB, GWK and NTK. Our roots are firmly planted in agriculture with farming at our core, continuously growing and evolving throughout the years.Starting with providing everything needed on the farm to produce food, we now also operate in all areas of the food supply chain: processing, logistics, and national and global market channels.This "house of brands" we've established with the support of our farmer shareholders is the foundation for building the agribusiness of the future.Our purposeTouch lives – for the better: We always aim to make a positive impact in people's lives: our employees, producers, clients, communities and the larger industry. And, through collaboration with this group of people, we strive to make an even bigger and longer lasting impact in the lives of all South Africans.ValuesWe live by five important values:We are HUMBLE: We acknowledge that we are blessed.We are HUNGRY: We do not settle for mediocre.We are BOLD: We do what is right, even if it scares us.We are SMART: We consider our words and actions.We are TEAM PLAYERS: No-one can do this alone.For the Love of the Land: We do it all for our legacy and the love of nature, people, country, sustainability and progress.Job DescriptionThe ideal team player will be responsible for purchasing and procuring quality products at competitive prices to meet business objectives. Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure optimal product offerings and pricing.Requirements2+ years of buying experience in a FMCG retail and or wholesale environment.Proven track record of achieving cost savings and improving supplier performance.Strong analytical and negotiation skills.Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.Commercial awareness with a consumer-centric mindset.Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint.Duties and ResponsibilitiesDriving product strategy and support the end-to-end buying process. Overseeing seasonal strategies and ensuring availability based on market conditions, trends and historic numbers.Compiling and analysing sales reports and presenting key insights to the Product Manager.Supporting the Product Manager with top-line projects.Building and maintaining relationships with divisions and providing feedback on performance.Staying informed on market trends and competitor activity.Monitoring sell-through and executing actions to improve sales performance.Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers.Negotiate prices and terms with suppliers.Providing input to the content team for promotions and all related marketing initiatives.Skills RequiredDecision makingCommunicationMaintaining long-term relationshipsBusiness acumenComplianceOrganisingSound sales and interpersonal skills
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