Procurement Associate

Job Title: Procurement Associate Department: Procurement Reports To: Procurement Managers and/ or Procurement & Logistics Executive Manager Job Summary – The Procurement Associate supports Procurement Managers in executing purchasing and inventory activities to ensure cost control, product availability, accurate records, and effective vendor relationships. The role coordinates purchasing, logistics, reporting, and cross-department communication to support operational performance and company objectives. Job Duties Purchasing & Vendor Coordination • Communicate with vendors to secure lowest cost and correct supply. • Negotiate pricing, promotions, and distribution opportunities. • Monitor weekly deals, service levels, and out-of-stocks. • Verify invoices match agreed pricing and promotions. • Request credits for damages, discrepancies, or incorrect shipments. • Ensure vendor accounts are properly set up before first purchase. • Communicate vendor or product changes to Procurement Buyers. Inventory & Product Control • Maintain agreed service levels, in-stock ratios, and warehouse availability. • Participate in scheduled inventory counts. • Identify inactive or short shelf-life items. • Support SKU rationalization and pricing data updates. • Coordinate seasonal items and product launches. • Provide sell sheets prior to product arrival. • Manage product recalls with stores, warehouse, suppliers, and marketing. • Notify stores of new items and code/pack changes. Logistics & Cost Efficiency • Identify cost-effective import logistics solutions. • Analyze new suppliers, products, and distribution opportunities. • Monitor order trends and provide proactive recommendations. Reporting & Administration • Maintain accurate receiving logs, invoices, and inventory records. • Run and monitor required reports (GIG, missing/zero items, GP by category). • Respond promptly to procurement communications and reporting deadlines. Department & Store Support • Support Procurement Buyers and Stores to optimize department performance. • Liaise with senior managers to fulfill customer product requests. • Assist in achieving departmental goals in line with company guidelines. ________________________________________ Company Standards • Greet, offer assistance, and thank customers (GOT standard). • Follow company policies and procedures. • Maintain professional appearance and sanitation standards. • Report hazards, theft, or operational concerns. • Operate equipment safely and maintain clean work areas. • Promote teamwork and uphold the company motto “WE CARE.” • Perform other duties assigned by management. ________________________________________ Education & Experience • High School Diploma or equivalent • 2–3 years retail merchandising, purchasing, or related experience • Knowledge of products and procurement processes Skills & Requirements • Strong written and verbal English communication • Intermediate–advanced Microsoft Office skills • Organizational and recordkeeping accuracy • Decision-making and analytical ability • Teamwork and interpersonal skills • Professionalism under pressure