Buyer – Freshmark Centurion

Job Category: Logistics, Supply Chain & Purchasing

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Reference Number: SHO260908-2

Role Overview

Freshmark, the fresh produce procurement and distribution arm of the Shoprite Group, is looking for an experienced Buyer to drive category strategy at its Centurion facility.

This strategic commercial role focuses on planning, selecting, and purchasing a fresh fruit and vegetable product range to meet overall profitability and sales targets. Operating within Africa's largest food retail network, the Buyer ensures optimal product availability, superior quality control, and competitive market pricing across retail shelves.

The successful candidate will act as the vital connection between local agricultural producers, logistics networks, marketing teams, and store operations to execute a seamless, customer-focused fresh produce strategy.

Key Responsibilities & Operational Scope

• Seasonal Procurement & Grower Programs: Lead, implement, and execute seasonal agricultural growing programs. Continuously evaluate farmer and grower performance to ensure reliable yield and supply continuity.

• Price Negotiation & Profitability: Negotiate competitive purchase prices for raw produce and packaging materials to maximize gross profit margins while maintaining retail market competitiveness.

• Category Financial Targets: Maintain full accountability for sales growth, gross margin optimization, and minimizing out-of-stock and waste metrics across assigned fruit and vegetable lines.

• Inventory & Waste Management: Oversee category stock levels to prevent stockouts while mitigating shrinkage, spoilage, and excess inventory costs.

• Quality & Food Safety Assurance: Monitor incoming product quality and verify producer-level compliance with national and international food safety standards.

• Market Research & Field Evaluation: Conduct routine farm visits, supplier audits, and competitor store checks to monitor market trends, pricing strategies, and product quality.

• Product Innovation & Launches: Drive fresh product development and execute promotional campaigns to introduce new items to Checkers, Shoprite, and Usave stores.

• Data Analytics & Reporting: Analyze category sales metrics, item movement, and supplier performance data to identify untapped revenue channels and supply chain efficiencies.

Qualifications & Competency Profile

Education

• Advantageous: Formal qualification (Diploma or Degree) in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Commerce, or a related field.

Professional Experience

• Fresh Produce Expertise: In-depth product knowledge of commercial fruit and/or vegetable categories is essential.

• Procurement Experience: Demonstrated track record in fresh food buying, commodity trading, or retail category management.

• Packhouse Operations: Prior leadership or management exposure within a fresh produce packhouse environment is highly advantageous.

Technical & Interpersonal Skills

• Analytical Capability: High proficiency in evaluating sales volumes, margin calculations, harvest projections, and supplier scorecards.

• Computer Literacy: Strong practical knowledge of core business software and inventory/ERP platforms.

• Communication & Negotiation: Exceptional negotiation, relationship-building, and communication skills across farm owners, corporate executives, and operational warehouse staff.

Why Join Freshmark Centurion?

Centurion serves as a central distribution hub for Gauteng’s vast retail demand. Joining Freshmark in this capacity offers direct involvement in shaping South Africa's fresh produce supply chain, managing key agricultural partnerships, and driving growth within an internationally recognized retail group.

Candidate Application Checklist

Before submitting your application via the Shoprite Group careers portal prior to 15 September 2026, ensure your CV includes:

1. Category Expertise: Explicitly state the specific fresh produce lines (e.g., stone fruit, citrus, leafy greens, root vegetables) you have managed or traded.

2. Quantifiable Commercial Success: Highlight measurable achievements in margin improvements, shrinkage reduction, or successful grower program implementations.

3. Field & Packhouse Experience: Detail your hands-on exposure to agricultural site visits, grower network management, and food safety standards.