Job Description

Closing Date: 2026-01-28
Job Type: Permanent
Job Level: Senior
Experience: Between 3 - 5 Years
EE/AA: No
Summary
Senior Product Procurement & Buying Manager - Luxury Safari Brand - Cape Town
Our client, a leading luxury safari operator in East Africa, is seeking a highly creative and strategically minded Senior Product, Procurement & Buying Manager based in Cape Town. This role is ideal for a procurement and design professional passionate about creating seamless guest experiences through innovative products, sustainable sourcing, and brand consistency across multiple locations.
Description
As the Senior Product, Procurement & Buying Manager, you will lead procurement initiatives across all camps, ensuring every item - from guest-facing products to operational materials - aligns with brand identity and quality standards. This is a strategic and hands-on role requiring expertise in design thinking, sourcing, and project management to deliver a cohesive, world-class guest experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Product Development & Design Thinking

• Lead design thinking for in-camp products, uniforms, gift shop items, tableware, and printed collateral.
• Translate brand values into functional, beautiful, and consistent products.
• Collaborate with camp managers, marketing, and operations to identify needs and co-create solutions.
• Conduct seasonal trends research and market analysis to inform product strategy.

Procurement & Sourcing

• Source and negotiate with suppliers for high-quality, sustainable, and cost-effective products.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and explore local and international sourcing opportunities.
• Implement ethical and transparent procurement processes, including cost analysis and budget oversight.

Golden Thread Brand Consistency

• Ensure consistency across gift shops, in-camp items, uniforms, cutlery, crockery, and printed materials.
• Act as a brand custodian, ensuring all products reinforce a unified and compelling brand story.

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Manage end-to-end product lifecycle, including budgets, timelines, and quality standards.
• Present design concepts and procurement strategies to leadership, securing alignment and approvals.

Administrative Duties

• Process requisitions, create purchase orders, and maintain detailed procurement records.
• Coordinate shipment documentation and verify accuracy before distribution.
• Prepare and process invoices and financial documents related to procurement and logistics.

Work Conditions:

• Standard 9-hour workdays including lunch, with flexibility according to team set-up.
• Overtime may be required during peak periods with time off in lieu.
• Occasional travel may be necessary.

Minimum Requirements

• Proven experience in procurement, product development, or buying within hospitality, retail, or lifestyle industries.
• Strong background in design thinking and product design in brand-driven environments.
• Excellent knowledge of supply chain management, vendor negotiations, and sustainable sourcing.
• Experience managing complex projects across multiple locations.
• Eye for detail, storytelling, and brand cohesion.
• Strategic thinker with creative flair, commercial acumen, and strong communication skills.
• Passion for sustainability, culture, and enhancing the guest experience.

Skills Required