Category Buyer- Packaging Cape Town

📌 OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW:-Libstar is actively recruiting for a Category Buyer- Packaging position in Cape Town. This is an excellent opportunity for professionals in the Manufacturing sector looking to advance their careers.

🎯 IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE:-We are seeking talented individuals with the following profile:• Experience Level: 2 - 4 years • Educational Background: Bachelor or equivalent• Industry Focus: Manufacturing• Location Preference: in Cape Town

💼 WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS:-The Category Buyer- Packaging position is an important role within the Manufacturing sector, offering meaningful career development and professional growth opportunities.

📈 CAREER DEVELOPMENT INSIGHTS:-This role in Manufacturing offers valuable career progression opportunities aligned with your experience level and professional aspirations.

📋 APPLICATION GUIDANCE:-When applying for this Category Buyer- Packaging position, ensure your CV highlights:• Relevant experience matching the 2 - 4 years requirement• Educational qualifications in line with Bachelor• Specific achievements in the Manufacturing field• Any certifications or specialized training

🌍 SOUTH AFRICA JOB MARKET CONTEXT:-The Manufacturing sector in South Africa continues to show strong demand for skilled professionals. This position represents a valuable opportunity in the current job market.

Job Title: Packaging Category Buyer Company: Libstar

Salary: Market Related

Job Type: Permanent

Sectors: Manufacturing

General Reference: 206688

Reference: 206688

Vacancy Details Employer: Libstar

Reporting: Procurement Manager Location: Maitland Please note this role will be relocating to Montague Park in May 2027.

Job Overview

We seek a forward-thinking and resourceful Category Buyer to join our Procurement Team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for sourcing and procuring high-quality packaging materials for both local and international clients. Emphasizing exceptional value for money and timely delivery, you will help drive the success and growth of our clients' businesses, while collaborating with internal stakeholders to understand packaging needs and develop effective procurement strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Research, identify, and evaluate potential packaging suppliers, focusing on quality, cost, and sustainability. Manage supplier relationships, addressing any issues or concerns that may arise. Monitor and manage inventory levels to ensure adequate supply and minimize waste. Stay current with industry trends and advancements in packaging materials and technologies.

Role Objectives

Ensure effective sourcing, planning, and purchasing of packaging materials for sustained supply. Optimize inventory levels to target ideal levels and drive cost-saving opportunities. Cultivate and manage effective, collaborative supplier relationships.

Key Functional Duties

Review and identify packaging material requirements, placing purchase orders with suppliers. Request quotations from suppliers, ensuring accurate pricing information is communicated and reflected in SYSPRO. Monitor open purchase orders, ensuring the system reflects accurate information, driving on-time delivery, and communicating deviations with internal departments. Manage inventory levels to optimize working capital and eliminate stock write-offs. Develop and manage effective, collaborative supplier relationships, negotiating for preferred pricing and terms. Support and collaborate with internal departments (Sales, Operations, and NPD) to provide timely information and feedback for effective SOP processes. 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. Support the NPD team during new packaging development and packaging change processes by sourcing new innovative and improved packaging materials. Stay informed about new packaging concepts, trends, market activity, and innovations within relevant categories. Assist QC teams in managing NCRs and communication with suppliers, driving required corrective actions. Review demand and forecast accuracy, highlighting variances. Assist with reviewing and ensuring inventory and supplier master data is maintained and accurate in SYSPRO.

Education & Required Knowledge

Either a degree or equivalent in Packaging Technology, Project Management, or relevant business/logistics. 2-4 years of similar experience in packaging procurement. Advantageous experience in Graphic Design (including packaging design), Product Development, Commercial, and SYSPRO. Computer literacy (Microsoft office) and intermediate Excel fluency. Technical knowledge and understanding of the printing process and specs. 2-4 years in the Food and Beverage Manufacturing industry.

Personal Characteristics

Deadline-driven 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 skills 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), requires that when we process another’s personal information, such collection, retention, dissemination, and use 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.