Chilled & Frozen Food Buyer

Indian Ocean Export Company Durban, South Africa 07 July 2026 Mid Full Time Market Related On-site 3 - 5 years Skills Analytical C Communication Coordination Food Safety Management Negotiation R Industries Agriculture FMCG

Job Description IOEC is looking for a commercially aware Chilled & Frozen Food Buyer to join our Procurement team at IOEC. Reporting to the Head of Procurement, this role is responsible for supporting the procurement and coordination of frozen food and/or meat products for IOEC. The role ensures consistent product availability, accurate order execution and effective supplier collaboration, while working within approved buying strategies and guidelines set by the Head of Procurement. This position is operational in nature and focuses on day-to-day buying activities, order management and cross-functional coordination.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Sourcing and Procurement:* Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, both domestic and international in line with approved category strategy.

• Request quotations, compare offers and recommend preferred suppliers for approval.
• Negotiate pricing and terms within defined parameters, escalating high-value negotiations where required.
• Continuously monitor market trends and conditions to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Maintain ongoing communication with existing suppliers to ensure availability, continuity of supply and service levels.
• Support supplier-led marketing or promotional initiatives in collaboration sales teams.

2. Quality Assurance:* Apply company product and quality standards when selecting and managing suppliers.

• Conduct virtual supplier audits/assessments to ensure compliance with quality specifications.
• Assist in resolving any quality issues or discrepancies with suppliers promptly.

3. Cost Management:* Assist in implementing cost-saving initiatives, approved by the Head of procurement.

• Monitor pricing trends and cost drivers to make data-driven decisions.

4. Regulatory Compliance:* Stay updated on industry regulations, safety standards, and labelling requirements.

• Ensure that all purchased products comply with relevant food safety and labelling regulations.

5. Market Research and Trends:* Stay informed about industry trends, consumer preferences, and emerging products in the industry.

• Make recommendations for introducing new products based on market demands and consumer preferences.

6. Supplier Relationship Management:* Build professional working relationships with suppliers focused on reliability and service.

• Monitor performance and capture feedback for review with manager.

7. Reporting:* Prepare and present reports on procurement, order-tracking, market trends, and supplier performance to management.

8. Internal:* Maintain accurate inventory and product records across all internal systems.

• Track and manage active orders from placement through to shipment, liaising with BDMs, KDMs, RCMs, export controllers and service providers to ensure smooth execution.
• Join customer calls (together with commercial teams) to understand technical requirements and recommend suitable product options.
• Assist with PPECB requirements, veterinary department requirements and any regulatory requirements, to ensure the requisite documentation is prepared and available for shipments.

9. Restricted Business Travel:

• This role is primarily office-based.
• Occasional, pre-approved travel may be required for supplier meetings, audits, or tradeshows.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., supply chain management, business, or agriculture).
• 3-5 years in a procurement or category buying role (preferably FMCG/meat/frozen foods).
• Knowledge of meat industry trends, suppliers, and products.
• Strong negotiation, communication and coordination skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in using procurement software and tools.
• Understanding of basic food safety and regulatory compliance.