Retail Buyer - East London Portfolio

Placements24; Windsor Park (TN); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Retail Buyer to manage the product portfolio for the East London, Eastern Cape region. This hybrid role requires identifying market trends, selecting merchandise, negotiating with suppliers, and developing a compelling assortment that resonates with local customers.

You will analyze sales data, coordinate with marketing teams, and travel to stores and suppliers to drive growth and profitability for our client in the Eastern Cape market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in retail buying.
• Proven track record in product selection and assortment planning.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Excellent analytical and data interpretation abilities.
• Proficiency in retail buying software and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong understanding of retail operations and market dynamics.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects within deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel within East London and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to identify buying opportunities.
• Select and source merchandise, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and customer preferences.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Develop and manage the product assortment plan for the assigned region.
• Monitor inventory levels and manage stock turnover to maximize profitability.
• Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising teams to develop effective product launch strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and vendors.
• Ensure products meet quality standards and compliance requirements.
• Prepare regular reports on buying performance, including sales, margin, and inventory analysis.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and innovations in the retail industry.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Analytics

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business

Bachelor's degree in Marketing

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading specialty retailer, is seeking an experienced and strategic Retail Buyer to manage their product portfolio for the East London, Eastern Cape region. This critical role involves identifying market trends, selecting appropriate merchandise, and negotiating with suppliers to ensure profitable product assortments. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for product, a strong understanding of the retail market, and excellent negotiation skills. This hybrid position will involve both strategic planning and regular travel to visit stores and suppliers, contributing to the commercial success of our client within the Eastern Cape market. You will be responsible for curating a compelling product offering that resonates with local customers and drives sales growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to identify buying opportunities.


• Select and source merchandise, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and customer preferences.


• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers.


• Develop and manage the product assortment plan for the assigned region.


• Monitor inventory levels and manage stock turnover to maximize profitability.


• Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising teams to develop effective product launch strategies.


• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and vendors.


• Ensure products meet quality standards and compliance requirements.


• Prepare regular reports on buying performance, including sales, margin, and inventory analysis.


• Stay abreast of emerging trends and innovations in the retail industry.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field.


• Minimum of 5 years of experience in retail buying, preferably within the same product category.


• Proven track record of successful product selection and assortment planning.


• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.


• Excellent analytical and data interpretation abilities.


• Proficiency in retail buying software and Microsoft Excel.


• Strong understanding of retail operations and market dynamics.


• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects within deadlines.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.


• Willingness to travel as needed within the East London, Eastern Cape area and potentially beyond.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions. Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within a national retail organization are significant. You will have the chance to influence product offerings and contribute directly to business success in the Eastern Cape. This hybrid role offers a strategic and dynamic career path for a talented Retail Buyer.