Category Buyer- Packaging

Reporting: Procurement Manager

Location: Maitland

Please note this role will be moving to Montague Park in May 2027.


Purpose:

We are looking for a dynamic and innovative Category Buyer to join our Procurement Team.

• You would play a key role in sourcing and procuring high-quality packaging materials for our local and international clients.
• With a focus on delivering exceptional value for money and ensuring timely delivery of products, you will contribute to the success and growth of our clients' businesses, collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand packaging requirements and develop effective procurement strategies.
• Research, identify, and evaluate potential packaging suppliers, considering factors such as quality, cost, and sustainability.
• Manage supplier relationships and resolve any issues or concerns that may arise.
• Monitor and manage inventory levels to ensure adequate supply and minimize waste.
• Stay informed about industry trends and advancements in packaging materials and technologies.

Role Objectives:

• Effective Sourcing, planning and purchasing of packaging materials ensuring continued supply of required materials.
• Managing inventory levels to ideal target levels and driving cost saving opportunities.
• Develop and manage effective, collaborative supplier relationships.

Key Functional Duties:

• Review and identify packaging material requirements, place required purchase orders with suppliers.
• Request for quotations from suppliers, ensure accurate pricing information is communicated and reflective on SYSPRO.
• Monitor open purchase orders, ensure system is reflecting accurate information at all times, drive on time delivery of orders and communicate deviations with internal departments.
• Manage inventory levels to optimize working capital and eliminate stock write offs.
• Develop and manage effective, collaborative supplier relationships, drive effective negotiation for preferred pricing and terms with suppliers.
• Support and collaborate with internal departments (Sales, Operations and NPD), to provide timeous information and feedback for decision making as required for an effective SOP process.
• Assist with sourcing new suppliers and managing the supplier onboarding (SQA) process with NPD and QA teams.
• Identify and drive cost saving initiatives and assist with other ad hoc projects.
• Assist with sourcing new innovative and improved packaging materials, support NPD team during new packaging development and packaging change process.
• Keep abreast of and research new packaging concepts, trends, market activity and innovation within the relevant categories.
• Assist QC teams with managing NCR’s and communication with supplier and drive the corrective action required.
• Review demand and forecast accuracy and highlight variances.
• Assist with reviewing, ensuring inventory and supplier master data is maintained and accurate on SYSPRO.

Education & Required Knowledge:

• Either a degree or an equivalent of the below degree and 2 - 4 years’ similar experience that aligns to our Packaging Buyer Key functional duties
• Packaging Technology
• Project Management
• Relevant business and/or logistics degree
• Advantageous experience in:
• Graphic Design (including packaging design)
• Product Development
• Commercial
• SYSPRO
• Computer Literacy (Microsoft office)
• Excel Fluency – Intermediate level
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English
• Technical knowledge and understanding of printing process and specs
• 2 – 4 years in the Food and Beverage Manufacturing industry

Personal Characteristics:

• Deadline driven
• An innovative thinker
• Proactive and enthusiastic
• High attention to detail
• Ability to work in a high pressure and fast paced environment
• Ability to multitask between multiple projects
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong project management & coordination skill.
• Optimistic solution finder
• Commercially minded
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Optimistic & positive outlook

If you have not received a response within two weeks of submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful.

To consider any application for employment, we will have to process your personal information. The Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA), provides that when one processes another’s personal information, such collection, retention, dissemination and use of that person’s personal information must be done in a lawful and transparent manner.

To give effect to the above, we are required to provide you with information regarding the processing of your personal information. This information is recorded under the HR Processing Notice, which can be accessed and viewed on the Company website at https://www.libstar.co.za/legal/. Printed copies of this Processing Notice can also be accessed from the HR department. We kindly request that you read the HR Processing Notice to ensure that you understand how Libstar uses and processes your personal information.