Purchasing Associate Manager (Fresh & Commodity) at Kyosk Digital Services

Job Description

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A kiosk is an informal convenience store selling everyday household items. Known locally by their vernacular names e.g. Duka in Kenya, Spaza in South Africa, Kantemba in Zambia. kiosk-type retail outlets are the cornerstone of African retail, accounting for over 60% of all retail trade flows. Despite their importance, kiosk-type retail outlets face significant challenges, including high cost of stock and unreliable delivery. Our digital ordering and delivery platform – Kyosk, ensures that these retail outlets get access to stock at competitive prices and have them delivered directly to them. FMCGs find the traditional distribution chain to be inadequate as well, making it expensive for them to serve kiosk-type retail outlets, leading to high incidences of product stock-outs and lost sales opportunities. By providing FMCGs with good data visibility, we solve this major problem of theirs.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are looking to bring on board an analytically minded individual to join our team as a Purchasing Associate Manager.The individual will be tasked with working closely with the operations manager to analyze our current buying systems and create the best practices for day-to-day purchasing operations. This position takes charge of the implementation of the purchasing strategy, policies & plan; product pricing strategies; supplier contract renewals, negotiations as well as returns while ensuring quality and cost control.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

Strategic Alignment: 

Work closely with the purchasing manager to develop purchasing and pricing strategies in the organization and ensure alignment with the overall business strategy. Lead the implementation of proper purchasing policies, controls, SOPs and processes.

Operational Excellence:

Collaborate with the Warehouse Manager and purchasing manager to develop metrics for gauging inventory level needs and then maintain those levels throughout the year. Review technical specifications for products received; ensure we always have multiple options to buy products at the lowest price; ensure we get priority treatment when stock levels are low.

Supplier Management:

Actively take part in vendor negotiations in accordance with company purchasing policies and budgetary restrictions. Tracks vendors for payment terms and partners with finance to ensure timely payment. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with suppliers to support the delivery of purchasing deliverables and manage the Company’s overall working relationships with key supplier partners.

Cost Management: 

Support the Purchasing manager to evaluate and propose new purchasing programs and processes that will improve cost, quality and customer responsiveness.

Product Pricing:

Utilize key information such as market & economic trends, product acquisition price, transport, storage and delivery costs to advise the final product prices. Work closely with the purchasing manager,finance and warehouse teams to inform and review product prices to warrant the best price in the market and attainment of the organization’s profitability plans. Research on and monitor competitor activities to advise management on product pricing and product sources to gain competitive advantage in the market.

Budget management: 

Create proper forecasting reports for planning purposes in line with market demand and sales performance. Work closely with the Purchasing manager and Finance Department in the execution of the purchasing budget, monitor and manage credit line limits in line with the said budget.

Risk Management & Compliance: 

Work closely with the Purchasing Manager to Identify and evaluate operational risks such as supply, quality, safety, environment, security and regulatory compliance. Continuously monitor this to ensure proper mitigative actions are in place to cushion the company from exposure and drive consistent adherence. Review and maintain a good record of purchasing files and records (purchase orders, contracts, etc.) to ensure its compliance with company policies and procedures and ensure the availability of documentation.

Performance Management: 

Manage the company’s day-to-day purchasing activities for the junior team and ensure that each team member is meeting their personal performance standards. Maintaining and developing operations performance by implementing KPIs & continuous improvement systems. Develops and promotes a customer-focused orientation towards purchasing and materials management while promoting a collaborative culture between purchasing and all business units.

People Management and Development: 

Assist the Purchasing Manager with recruiting and managing a motivated and aggressive team to deliver the purchasing mandate. Schedule frequent one on one sessions with the junior purchasing team members to evaluate performance, identify areas of development and address any challenges. Analyze, develop and monitor performance quality measures for the department. Any other duties assigned from time to time within the purchasing department.

Requirements

Skills and competencies

Analytical & Logical Thinker; Attention to detail; Drive for Execution; Commercial Acumen; Self-motivated Honesty and integrity. Tech Savvy

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field; Professional qualification in supply chain is a plus; Knowledgeable on purchasing function with a minimum of 4-5 years’ experience preferably within fresh produce retail/E-commerce. Strong analytical skills with a demonstrable ability to capture and communicate projections as well as to model out various scenarios using Excel; A hands-on, empathetic and results-oriented approach to leadership and people management; and a ‘no-excuses’, ‘just do it’ approach to getting things done; Good knowledge of purchasing, negotiation, commercial understanding and cost breakdown; Able to add value, reduce costs and input to business improvements; Analytical thinker who can work independently with minimal oversight, ability to make educated decisions focused around business strategy. Focused and cost-based mindset – always double-checking to ensure the best deal on products and will not hesitate to make a return if needed. Be able to meet strict and dynamic deadlines;