Senior Buyer

Job Purpose

The Senior Buyer is responsible for managing and optimizing the purchasing of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, ensuring product availability, competitive pricing, and strong supplier relationships. This role plays a key part in demand planning, cost control, and supporting CityDrinks’ sales and operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Sourcing

-Source, negotiate, and purchase beverages (spirits, wine, beer, mixers, and related SKUs) in line with company strategy.

-Manage end-to-end purchasing cycle: supplier selection, pricing negotiation, order placement, delivery follow-up, and invoice reconciliation.

-Ensure optimal stock levels while avoiding overstock, slow-moving, or expired items.

Supplier Management

-Build and maintain strong relationships with local and international suppliers and distributors.

-Negotiate commercial terms including pricing, rebates, credit terms, exclusivity, and promotions.

-Monitor supplier performance on quality, lead time, compliance, and reliability.

Demand Planning & Inventory Control

-Collaborate with Sales, Operations, and Warehouse teams to forecast demand based on historical data, promotions, and seasonality.

-Monitor stock turnover, ageing inventory, and expiry dates, especially for regulated alcohol products.

-Support stock replenishment planning across warehouses and retail outlets.

Cost Control & Margin Management

-Analyze cost structures and recommend actions to improve margins.

-Track purchase prices, landed costs, and supplier price changes.

-Support management with cost-saving initiatives and alternative sourcing strategies.

Compliance & Documentation

-Ensure compliance with UAE regulations for alcohol procurement, importation, storage, and distribution.

-Maintain accurate procurement documentation, licenses, and supplier records.

-Coordinate with Finance on payment schedules and audits.

Reporting & Systems

-Prepare regular reports on purchasing activity, supplier performance, stock status, and savings.

-Use ERP systems (e.g., Odoo or similar) to manage purchase orders and inventory data.

-Provide insights and recommendations to management based on data analysis.

Team Support & Leadership

-Guide and support junior buyers or procurement assistants when required.

-Participate in process improvement and procurement policy development.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

-Stock availability / service level

-Inventory turnover and ageing stock

-Cost savings and margin improvement

-Supplier performance and lead time adherence

-Forecast accuracy

-Compliance and audit readiness

Qualifications & Experience

-Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Logistics, or related field.

-5–8 years of experience in buying/procurement, preferably in FMCG, beverages, or alcohol retail.

-Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.

-Experience working with ERP systems and advanced Excel.

-Knowledge of UAE alcohol regulations is a strong advantage.

Skills & Competencies

-Strong analytical and decision-making skills

-Commercial and negotiation mindset

-Attention to detail and accuracy

-Ability to work cross-functionally

-Time management and problem-solving skills

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED8,000.00 - AED11,000.00 per month

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Abu Dhabi: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Application Question(s):

• Are you comfortable working in the alcohol and beverage industry?
• Can you join immediately ?
• How many SKUs are you managing, and how do you track or control them?