Retail Buyer - WhatJobs Direct

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Not disclosed retailer in Upington, Northern Cape, seeks an experienced Retail Buyer to source, select, and negotiate merchandise for a diverse range of channels. You will drive value through supplier negotiations, manage budgets, and ensure product quality and profitable assortment decisions.

The role requires strategic insight, deep market awareness, and collaboration across merchandising and marketing teams to optimize launches and inventory levels.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of experience in retail buying or category management.
• Proven track record in product sourcing, negotiation, and vendor management.
• Experience in retail merchandising principles and inventory management.
• Strong analytical, financial, and mathematical skills.
• Forecasting market trends and identifying profitable opportunities.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in purchasing software and MS Office, especially Excel.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Identify and source new products and suppliers.
• Analyze market trends and customer data to inform purchasing decisions.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships.
• Plan assortments for various retail channels and locations.
• Manage open-to-buy budgets and ensure financial targets.
• Collaborate with merchandising and marketing for launches.
• Monitor inventory levels and sales performance of purchased products.
• Ensure all purchased products meet quality and compliance standards.
• Stay informed about industry developments regionally and nationally.

Skills

Negotiation

Vendor management

Analytical skills

Forecasting

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or related field

Tools

Purchasing software

MS Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent national retailer, is seeking an astute and experienced Retail Buyer to join their dedicated buying team based in **Upington, Northern Cape**. This is a pivotal role responsible for sourcing, selecting, and negotiating the purchase of merchandise that meets the company's strategic objectives and appeals to their customer base. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of market trends, product development, negotiation strategies, and inventory management. You will play a key role in ensuring the profitability and competitiveness of the company's product assortment. This position requires a strategic mindset, a keen eye for product, and exceptional negotiation skills to secure the best terms from suppliers. We are looking for a buyer who can drive value and contribute to the overall success of the retail operations in **Upington** and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and source new products and suppliers that align with brand strategy and customer demand.


• Analyze market trends, competitor offerings, and customer data to inform purchasing decisions.


• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to achieve optimal cost and value.


• Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers.


• Plan and execute product assortments for various retail channels and locations.


• Manage open-to-buy budgets and ensure adherence to financial targets.


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


• Monitor inventory levels and sales performance of purchased products, making adjustments as needed.


• Ensure all purchased products meet quality and compliance standards.


• Stay informed about industry developments and sourcing opportunities within the **Upington** region and nationally.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in retail buying or category management.


• Proven track record of successful product sourcing, negotiation, and vendor management.


• Strong understanding of retail merchandising principles and inventory management.


• Excellent analytical, financial, and mathematical skills.


• Demonstrated ability to forecast market trends and identify profitable opportunities.


• Exceptional negotiation and communication skills.


• Proficiency in using purchasing software and MS Office Suite, particularly Excel.


• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is preferred.


• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment in **Upington, Northern Cape**.


• High level of attention to detail and organizational skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.


• Opportunities for professional growth and development within the buying function.


• Employee discounts on a wide range of merchandise.


• A dynamic and influential role within the retail sector in **Upington**.


• Potential for advancement to senior buying or category management roles.