Buyer – Ship Chandler Provisions Department

Job Title: Buyer – Ship Chandler Provisions Department

Location: Paarden Eiland, Cape Town

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: R18,000 – R25,000 per month (depending on experience)

Role Overview

Our client, a reputable and fast-paced ship chandler operation, is seeking an experienced Buyer to join their Provisions Department. This is a senior-level role suited to a commercially minded professional with strong FMCG purchasing experience, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to operate efficiently under pressure and high transaction volumes.

The successful candidate will play a key role in sourcing, pricing, ordering, and invoicing a wide variety of goods supplied to vessels, ensuring accuracy, competitive pricing, and timely delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and competitive quotations for requested products
• Source and procure goods from approved suppliers
• Negotiate pricing, delivery timelines, and product availability
• Process purchase orders and track order status
• Handle invoicing for both customers and suppliers
• Monitor pricing fluctuations, including foreign currency impacts
• Maintain accurate purchasing and financial records
• Ensure stock and product availability align with client demands
• Liaise with internal teams and suppliers to resolve order or pricing discrepancies
• Work efficiently within high-pressure, deadline-driven environments

Minimum Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior buying or procurement role within the FMCG sector
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including basic formulas
• Ability to manage large product ranges and high-volume transactions
• Solid commercial acumen and negotiation skills
• Strong numerical and administrative accuracy
• Experience using accounting systems (Pastel 14 advantageous)
• Ability to multitask and perform effectively under pressure

Advantageous Skills & Experience

• Experience in ship chandling, maritime supply, logistics, or wholesale distribution
• Knowledge of exchange rate calculations and foreign currency purchasing
• Supplier network within FMCG or provisions supply
• Exposure to international procurement environments

Key Competencies

• High attention to detail
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Problem-solving ability
• Professional communication skills
• Results-driven mindset
• Ability to prioritise urgent requests

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is commercially sharp, highly organised, and thrives in a fast-moving operational environment. They are confident working with numbers, comfortable managing multiple supplier relationships, and able to balance cost control with service delivery expectations.