Senior Buyer

Company: Pick n Pay Careers

Job Overview

Pick n Pay is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to lead category management and commercial strategy across multiple product categories. This role is based in Gaborone, Botswana, and requires strong leadership, financial acumen, and the ability to drive growth through data-driven insights, supplier management, and innovative range development.

Key Responsibilities

Category Management & Buying

• Develop and execute integrated category strategies to optimise sales, margin, and market share

• Manage multiple categories including Fresh Departments, Edible and Non-edible groceries, General Merchandise, Liquor, and Clothing

• Lead, coach, and mentor senior buyers and category teams

Marketing & Range Development

• Own the commercial marketing strategy for assigned categories

• Drive range innovation, new product launches, and private label development

• Ensure alignment between category strategy, promotions, and brand positioning

Financial & Commercial Management

• Full P&L ownership across the commercial portfolio

• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and margin targets

• Analyse data to track performance and identify growth opportunities

Supplier & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strategic supplier partnerships

• Lead senior-level negotiations and monitor supplier performance against KPIs

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Operate within a matrix structure across operations, logistics, finance, and marketing

• Foster a high-performance culture and act as a key member of the Botswana executive leadership team

• Support talent development and coaching within the category teams

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

• 8–10 years relevant FMCG or retail experience

• Senior-level experience in category management or commercial leadership

• Exposure to marketing and range development

• Strong financial background with P&L responsibility

• SAP experience and advanced Excel skills advantageous

Competencies

• Strong commercial and financial acumen

• Proven capability in multi-category management

• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills

• Strategic thinker with hands-on execution ability

• Analytical and data-driven decision-making

• Leadership and talent development skills