Purchasing Manager

• Strategic Procurement Planning: Develop and implement effective purchasing strategies and policies for the store . This includes setting par stock levels for all categories of products and planning seasonal or promotional inventory in advance. The manager conducts demand forecasting to ensure the store is prepared for events (e.g., holidays, Ramadan) and peak seasons.
• Supplier Sourcing and Management: Identify, evaluate, and select reliable suppliers for products and services. Establish and maintain positive relationships with vendors, suppliers, and distributors . Regularly assess supplier performance in terms of product quality, delivery times, and pricing. Maintain an updated supplier database with contracts and terms.
• Negotiation and Contracting: Negotiate purchase agreements, contracts, and pricing with suppliers to secure favorable terms . This includes negotiating bulk purchase discounts, credit terms, and delivery schedules. Ensure that contracts protect the company’s interests and are in line with local regulations (including any Kuwait import/export or customs requirements for international purchases).
• Purchase Order Management: Oversee the end-to-end purchase order process. Review internal requisitions or stock level alerts, generate Purchase Orders (POs), and ensure they are approved according to company policy. Track all POs until delivery is completed, and address any issues such as delays or partial shipments. Maintain complete and accurate purchase records and documentation for all orders.
• Quality and Compliance Assurance: Ensure all procured items meet required quality standards and specifications. Upon delivery, verify that the products comply with health and safety regulations, halal requirements (for food items), and any other local compliance standards. Work with the Receiving Clerk to inspect deliveries and reject or return any substandard or incorrect items . Document and follow up on any discrepancies or damage claims with suppliers.
• Inventory Coordination: Coordinate closely with the store’s inventory control and operations team to determine stock needs and prevent shortages or overstock situations . Use inventory management systems to monitor stock levels in real time. The Purchasing Manager ensures that fast-moving items are reordered in a timely fashion and that slow-moving items are not over-ordered, thus optimizing inventory turnover.
• Budgeting and Cost Control: Manage the purchasing department’s budget and provide regular reports on procurement costs. Monitor expenditures on stock and identify opportunities to reduce costs or improve value, such as finding alternative products or suppliers. Prepare cost analyses and forecasts for procurement activities to assist in overall store budgeting . Ensure that purchasing activities contribute positively to the store’s profitability by balancing cost with quality and sales potential.
• Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and improve purchasing and supply chain processes . Implement best practices in procurement, such as bulk ordering strategies, just-in-time inventory for certain products, or improved order scheduling to reduce delivery costs. Stay informed about market trends, new products, and price fluctuations in the grocery sector to adjust procurement strategies proactively (e.g., anticipating price rises for certain commodities).
• Team Leadership and Training: If applicable, supervise any purchasing officers or assistants. Delegate tasks effectively and ensure the purchasing team is well-trained in the store’s procurement systems and procedures. Provide guidance and training on negotiating and inventory management techniques, and promote ethical, transparent dealings with suppliers.

Cross-Department Collaboration: Work with other departments for holistic operations. Liaise with the Finance/Accounts team to ensure supplier invoices are matched to deliveries and paid on time. Coordinate with Marketing for upcoming promotions (ensuring promotional items are in stock) and with Operations for any changes in product assortment or special customer requests. Also, communicate with senior management regarding procurement plans, challenges, and achievements on a regular basis

Job Types: Full-time, Contract, Permanent
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: KD400.000 - KD1,000.000 per month

Experience:

• Purchasing: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driving license (Required)

Work Location: In person