Senior Retail Buyer - Queenstown Apparel

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Staff discounts

Professional development

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is helping a leading apparel retailer in Queenstown, SA, to hire a Senior Retail Buyer. You will define and execute the buying strategy for key apparel categories, leverage market insights, and negotiate terms with suppliers to maximize sales and profitability.

The role requires 5+ years in retail buying, strong analytics, and excellent negotiation skills. You will manage supplier relationships, curate assortments, and collaborate with marketing for successful launches in a

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in retail buying, preferably apparel/fashion.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills with analytical mindset.
• Experience in managing supplier relationships and contracts.
• Deep understanding of apparel market and consumer behavior.
• Willingness to travel for trade shows and supplier visits.

Responsibilities

• Analyze market trends, sales data and customer feedback to identify purchasing opportunities.
• Develop and implement buying plans and strategies for assigned apparel categories.
• Source new suppliers and build long-term relationships with existing ones.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules to optimize cost-effectiveness.
• Select and curate merchandise assortments aligned with brand positioning and customer demographics.
• Manage product lifecycles from initial buy to in-season reorders and end-of-season clearance.
• Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising for launches and promotions.
• Monitor inventory and contribute to allocation and replenishment strategies.
• Evaluate supplier performance ensuring quality and ethical standards.

Skills

Retail buying

Negotiation

Data analysis

Excel

Supplier management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the apparel retail industry, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Retail Buyer to join their dynamic team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This critical role involves identifying market trends, sourcing high-quality merchandise, and negotiating favourable terms with suppliers to drive sales and profitability. You will be responsible for developing and executing the buying strategy for specific apparel categories, ensuring the product assortment meets customer demand and brand objectives. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a keen eye for fashion trends, and exceptional negotiation capabilities. This is a significant opportunity to shape the product offering of a leading retailer and advance your career in strategic sourcing and buying.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze market trends, sales data, and customer feedback to identify purchasing opportunities.
• Develop and implement buying plans and strategies for assigned apparel categories.
• Source new suppliers and build strong, long-term relationships with existing ones.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules to achieve optimal cost-effectiveness.
• Select and curate merchandise assortments that align with brand positioning and target customer demographics.
• Manage product lifecycles, including initial buy, in-season reorders, and end-of-season clearance.
• Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising teams to ensure successful product launches and promotions.
• Monitor inventory levels and provide input on allocation and replenishment strategies.
• Evaluate supplier performance and ensure adherence to quality and ethical standards.
• Stay informed about competitor activities and industry best practices in buying and merchandising.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in retail buying, preferably within the apparel or fashion sector.
• Proven track record of successful buying decisions, including trend forecasting and assortment planning.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Experience in managing supplier relationships and contracts.
• Deep understanding of the apparel market, fashion trends, and consumer behaviour.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and demanding retail environment in Queenstown, Eastern Cape .
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field is preferred.
• Proficiency in retail buying software and Microsoft Excel.
• Willingness to travel periodically for trade shows, supplier visits, and market research.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits package.
• Employees enjoy substantial staff discounts, opportunities for professional development and advancement, and the chance to work within a reputable and growing retail company.
• This role provides a significant opportunity to influence product strategy and career growth in the fashion retail sector in Queenstown, Eastern Cape .
• Join a team that values expertise and strategic thinking.