Senior Product, Procurement & Buying Manager

ABOUT ASILIA

Asilia Africa is one of East Africa’s long-standing safari companies. Meaning ‘genuine’ or ‘authentic’ in Swahili, we’ve built a reputation for incredible safari experiences and our unwavering commitment to empowering both people and nature alike in the region. Founded in 2004, Asilia has a leading presence in the main safari destinations in Tanzania and Kenya as well as a driving role in several pioneering projects. Asilia’s goal is to turn crucial and fragile natural habitats into lasting conservation economies, benefitting both the environment and local communities. At present, the company owns and operates 18 lodges and camps as well as a ground handling operation. Asilia is the first sustainable safari/lodge company in Africa to receive a 5-star rating for sustainability from GIIRS, was recognized as one of the “Best Companies for the World” in 2013 and was awarded the 2014 Tourism for Tomorrow Business Award.

WHAT WE BELIEVE IN

We believe that world-class travel can go hand in hand with improving livelihoods and conservation of nature. Our luxury camps and lodges are in some of the most special places on earth. Places we want to safeguard for the future. We strive to transform whole areas, from crucial fragile natural habitats with often impoverished communities into lasting conservation economies; effectively protecting wildlife whilst providing opportunities for local people to prosper. Whichever department you work in, your efforts will be crucial in achieving our conservation goal.

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are seeking a highly creative and strategically minded Product Developer & Buyer to lead procurement initiatives across all camps, ensuring every item – from guest-facing products to operational materials – reflects our brand identity and quality standards. This role blends design thinking, sourcing expertise, and brand guardianship, ensuring a seamless “golden thread” approach that connects every detail of the guest and staff experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES –

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN THINKING

• Lead the design thinking process for all in-camp products, uniforms, gift shop items, tableware, and printed collateral.

• Translate brand values into functional, beautiful, and consistent products that elevate the guest experience.

• Work cross-functionally with camp managers, marketing, and operations teams to identify needs and co-create solutions.

• Seasonal Trends & Research

PROCUREMENT & SOURCING

• Source and negotiate with suppliers to deliver high-quality, sustainable, and cost-effective products.

• Maintain strong vendor relationships, exploring local and international sourcing opportunities.

• Implement procurement best practices ensuring ethical, sustainable, and transparent supply chains.

• Cost Analysis

GOLDEN THREAD BRAND CONSISTENCY

• Act as a brand custodian ensuring consistency across:

• Gift shops – curated merchandise that reflects our ethos.

• In-camp items – furniture, amenities, all printed material and guest touchpoints.

• Uniforms – design, functionality, and durability aligned with brand identity.

• Cutlery & crockery – aesthetics and usability for hospitality excellence.

• Printed material – signage, menus, brochures, and branded collateral.

• Ensure all products reinforce the unified brand experience and tell a cohesive story.

PROJECT & STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

• Oversee the end-to-end product lifecycle from concept to delivery and implementation.

• Manage budgets, timelines, and quality standards across multiple projects.

• Present design concepts and procurement strategies to leadership, securing alignment and approvals.

KEY ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS

• Processing requisitions and creating purchase orders accurately in line with company policies and with assistance from local procurement and finance teams.

• Maintaining detailed and accurate records of all procurement and logistics activities, including supplier communications, purchase orders, shipment paperwork and delivery schedules.

• Coordinating shipment documentation and reviewing shipping materials to ensure accuracy before distribution.

• Preparing and processing invoices, bills and other financial documents relating to procurement and logistics transactions

QUALITIES & EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience in procurement, product development, or buying within hospitality, retail, or lifestyle industries.

• Strong background in design thinking and product design, ideally within a brand-driven environment.

• Excellent knowledge of supply chain management, vendor negotiations, and sustainable sourcing.

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects across multiple locations.

• Eye for detail and passion for design, storytelling, and brand cohesion.

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Strategic thinker with creative flair and commercial acumen.

• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Ability to balance innovation with practicality.

• Passion for sustainability, culture, and guest experience.

• Highly organized with a hands-on, can-do attitude.

REQUIRED WORK PRACTICES

• Across all interactions, promote the image of the sales team as a best-in-class externally with our clients and internally with our key stakeholders.

• As a key point of contact and the face of Asilia, upholding and contributing to the reputation of the company as a leading safari operator. 

• The Asilia values are company values that play a significant role in how we define ourselves and set ourselves apart. We place a high value on living these values in everyday work practices. These values are genuine, inspired to do good, caring family spirit, teamwork, dedicated to service, consistent quality and going the extra mile

• When staff events happen within working hours it will be compulsory to attend 

• Attend all Training & Development programs as required. 

CONDITIONS AND WORKING HOURS

• You will be required to work in the Asilia Cape Town office from Monday – Friday. You are required to work 9 hours per day including an hour lunch break. The working hours are determined according to the team set-up with flexibility.

• Overtime may be required during peak periods for which you will be compensated with time off in lieu.

• You may be required to travel for work from time to time