Job Description

Position:

Buyer / Stores Manager

This is a

hands-on, commercially driven role

responsible for managing the storeroom, inventory, procurement, and supplier relationships, with a strong focus on

cost control, quality assurance, and operational continuity

within a bakery environment.

Working Hours

07:00 AM - 05:30 PM

6 days per week

Overtime may be required based on operational and production demands.

Remuneration

Monthly Salary:

R10,270.00 Includes

R269.23 public holiday compensation

, paid monthly in advance.

Public holidays are standard working days

as required by operations.

Role Overview

The Buyer / Stores Manager is accountable for

end-to-end inventory and procurement management

, ensuring:

Continuous availability of raw materials Optimal stock levels Competitive pricing and supplier terms Consistent product quality Accurate system and physical stock control
This role requires an individual who can

challenge suppliers

, negotiate aggressively, protect the company's interests, and ensure the business consistently receives

best pricing, best quality, and maximum supplier value

(discounts, rebates, free stock, replacements, and credits).

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Supplier Management Communicate and liaise with all suppliers on a daily basis. Source, negotiate, and secure the

best possible pricing, terms, and quality

, particularly for

flour and core bakery ingredients

. Actively negotiate discounts, rebates, free stock, and promotional support. Challenge suppliers on pricing increases, quality inconsistencies, and delivery failures. Arrange

replacement stock, free stock, or credits

where raw materials (especially flour) do not meet agreed quality standards. Monitor flour quality closely and escalate quality deviations immediately. Place purchase orders and submit them for

management pre-approval

where required. Maintain and review supplier performance (price, quality, reliability).

Inventory & Stores Management

Manage all warehouse and storeroom operations. Maintain accurate stock levels for raw materials, spares, and finished goods. Conduct regular and ad-hoc stock counts and investigate variances. Ensure FIFO and proper stock rotation are adhered to at all times. Manage receiving, issuing, and dispatching of stock

physically and within the ERP system

. Ensure production orders are dispatched accurately and on time. Ensure the warehouse is locked and secured when unattended.

Systems, Data & Administration

Create new SKUs and products on the system as required. Capture all supplier invoices accurately and timeously. Maintain accurate records for purchases, stock movements, and pricing. Analyze stock usage, supplier pricing trends, and product performance. Liaise with accounting and finance personnel regarding invoices, pricing discrepancies, and reporting. Manage all store- and procurement-related email correspondence.

People, Equipment & Operations

Assign tasks to warehouse staff and ensure completion and accountability. Supervise warehouse employees and the pre-scaling platform. Be responsible for forklift operations, including the forklift and forklift driver. Ensure equipment, storage areas, and workspaces are maintained in a clean, hygienic, and orderly condition.

Compliance, Hygiene & Quality

Maintain hygiene, cleanliness, and food safety standards within the warehouse. Liaise with health inspectors, quality auditors, and the

Halal inspector

. Ensure all materials meet regulatory, quality, and internal standards.

General Responsibilities

Coordinate closely with production to ensure uninterrupted bakery operations. Proactively identify risks related to stock shortages, pricing increases, or supplier reliability. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as operational requirements evolve.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Proven experience as a

Buyer, Stores Manager, or Warehouse Manager

, preferably in the

bakery or food manufacturing industry

. Strong negotiation skills with the ability to

push back on suppliers

. Solid understanding of flour quality, bakery raw materials, and supplier dynamics. Experience using inventory management or ERP systems. High attention to detail, strong administration skills, and commercial awareness. Able to work long hours and public holidays without issue. Assertive, organized, and results-driven.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: R10270,00 per month

Work Location: In person