Buyer – Freshmark Centurion | Shoprite Group
Company: Freshmark – Shoprite Group
Position: Buyer
Reference Number: SHO260908-2
Job Category: Logistics / Buying
Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa
Closing Date: 15 September 2026
Job Overview
Freshmark, part of the Shoprite Group, is looking for an experienced and commercially focused Buyer to join its team in Centurion, Gauteng. This position is suited to an individual with strong knowledge of the fresh produce industry, particularly fruit and vegetables, who understands buying, trading, supplier relationships and category performance.
The Buyer will be responsible for executing the Freshmark Division’s buying strategy by planning, selecting and procuring products within an assigned category. The objective is to create a competitive and appealing product assortment while achieving sales, profitability and gross margin targets.
The successful candidate will need to balance customer demand, market trends, product quality, price and availability when making purchasing decisions. The role also involves working closely with growers, suppliers, category teams, marketing and store operations to ensure that products meet business requirements and customers receive a consistent experience.
This opportunity is based in Centurion, Gauteng and may suit candidates who are willing and able to relocate.
Key Responsibilities
As a Buyer, you will be responsible for managing the buying process and supporting the commercial performance of your assigned category. Your duties will include:
- Leading, implementing and executing seasonal growing programmes while continuously evaluating grower performance.
- Negotiating and managing product purchase prices to support profitability and achieve financial targets.
- Driving the achievement of sales, gross profit and out-of-stock targets within the assigned category.
- Maintaining optimal stock levels for products and packaging while minimising shortages, excess stock and waste.
- Overseeing product quality and ensuring compliance with relevant food safety standards at producer level.
- Conducting regular farm, competitor and market visits to assess category performance and remain informed about market trends.
- Monitoring customer demand, pricing, quality and product availability when making buying decisions.
- Driving product development and ensuring new products are launched on time with effective promotional support.
- Analysing category, item and supplier performance data to identify opportunities for growth and improved profitability.
- Building and maintaining effective relationships with growers, suppliers, management and internal stakeholders.
- Ensuring strict compliance with Freshmark and company buying and trading policies.
- Supporting general management activities and other business requirements when necessary.
Requirements
Education
A relevant qualification in one of the following fields would be advantageous:
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Economics
- Commercial studies
- A related field
Experience
The role requires an experienced candidate with:
- In-depth knowledge of fruit and/or vegetables – essential.
- Previous buying and trading experience – required.
- Management experience within a packhouse environment – advantageous.
Candidates should have a strong understanding of the fresh produce environment and the commercial factors that influence buying, availability, quality, pricing and profitability.
Skills and Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- The ability to work effectively with suppliers, staff and management.
- Strong commercial awareness and decision-making ability.
- Good planning, organisation and execution skills.
- Reliability and professional conduct.
- A proven track record of performance.
- Strong computer literacy and proficiency in general computer applications.
- The ability to analyse market, category, product and supplier information and turn insights into practical buying decisions.
Ideal Candidate
Freshmark is looking for someone who is commercially driven, analytical and confident when dealing with suppliers and internal stakeholders. The ideal candidate will understand the fresh produce market, be comfortable negotiating prices and managing supplier relationships, and have the ability to make informed buying decisions based on customer demand and business performance.
The role also requires someone who can work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards around product quality, food safety, stock availability and company policies.
Employment Details
Position: Buyer – Freshmark Centurion
Company: Shoprite Group / Freshmark
Location: Centurion, Gauteng
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reference: SHO260908-2
Closing Date: 15 September 2026
Candidates from outside Gauteng should be prepared to relocate to Centurion if successful.
Freshmark and the Shoprite Group are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where different talents, perspectives, backgrounds and abilities are valued.