Junior Retail Buyer - Welkom

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 11,000 - 16,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts

Hybrid work model

Career development and mentorship

Exposure to full buying cycle

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom, Free State, is seeking a Junior Retail Buyer to join the procurement team. You will support senior buyers, assist in selecting and sourcing products, and analyze market trends to align with brand preferences.

You will coordinate with suppliers, analyze sales data, and help prepare assortments for review. This entry-level role offers mentorship and opportunities to grow within a fast-paced retail environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, Marketing or related field.
• Previous internship or entry-level experience in retail buying or merchandising is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with ability to interpret sales data.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for supplier interaction.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior buyers in selecting and purchasing merchandise for assigned product categories.
• Conduct market research and analyze fashion and product trends to identify opportunities.
• Track sales data and inventory levels to inform buying decisions and manage stock effectively.
• Liaise with suppliers to obtain product samples, pricing and delivery information.
• Help negotiate terms and prices with vendors to ensure competitive sourcing.
• Prepare product assortments and presentations for review by the buying team.
• Attend trade shows and industry events to identify new products and suppliers.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, Marketing

Tools

Excel

Job description

About the RoleOur client, a dynamic retail organization, is looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Junior Retail Buyer to join their procurement team in Welkom. This entry-level position offers an excellent opportunity to kickstart a career in buying and merchandising within the fast-paced retail sector. You will work closely with senior buyers, assisting in the selection and sourcing of products that align with our client's brand and customer preferences. The role involves market research, trend analysis, and supporting the negotiation process with suppliers. If you have a keen eye for fashion, a passion for product, and strong analytical skills, this could be the perfect role for you to grow and develop within the Free State retail landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior buyers in the selection and purchasing of merchandise for assigned product categories.
• Conduct market research and analyze fashion and product trends to identify potential opportunities.
• Track sales data and inventory levels to inform buying decisions and manage stock effectively.
• Liaise with suppliers to obtain product samples, pricing, and delivery information.
• Help negotiate terms and prices with vendors to ensure competitive sourcing.
• Prepare product assortments and presentations for review by the buying team.
• Monitor competitor activities and market developments relevant to Welkom's customer base.
• Maintain accurate buying records and manage purchase orders.
• Support the merchandising team in ensuring product placement aligns with buying strategies.
• Attend trade shows and industry events as required to identify new products and suppliers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• Previous internship or entry-level experience in retail buying, merchandising, or fashion is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to interpret sales data.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for supplier interaction.
• A passion for fashion, retail, and product knowledge.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Organized and detail-oriented with strong time management skills.
• A proactive approach to learning and problem-solving in the Welkom retail context.
• Willingness to commute to the office for hybrid working model as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary and opportunities for salary growth.
• Exposure to the full buying cycle and mentorship from experienced buyers.
• Staff discounts on a wide range of products.
• Opportunity to influence product assortments and contribute to business success.
• A hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Be part of a growing brand in Welkom.