Assistant Retail Buyer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 201,000 - 312,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary competitiveness

Professional development

Hybrid work

Employee discounts

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking an ambitious Assistant Retail Buyer to support our merchandising team in selecting and procuring fashion and lifestyle merchandise that matches brand strategy and customer demographics. You will conduct market research, liaise with suppliers, and assist in price negotiations to secure favorable terms while ensuring timely delivery to stores.

This hybrid role offers office collaboration with flexible time for market research and sourcing activities, plus

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in retail buying/merchandising or related field.
• Strong understanding of the fashion/lifestyle retail market.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficient in Excel for data analysis and reporting; hybrid work capability.

Responsibilities

• Assist in selection and buying of merchandise for various retail categories.
• Conduct market research to identify trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences.
• Liaise with suppliers to obtain product information, samples and quotes.
• Support price negotiations to achieve favorable terms and margins.
• Process purchase orders and ensure timely delivery to distribution centers and stores.
• Monitor stock levels and analyze sales data to inform buying decisions.
• Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising for cohesive product presentation.
• Attend trade shows and supplier meetings as required.
• Maintain product information databases and samples.
• Contribute to seasonal buying plans and strategies.

Skills

Data analysis

Excel

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Market research

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Merchandising or related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

About the Role Our client, a dynamic and growing retail company in Cape Town, Western Cape , is looking for an ambitious Assistant Retail Buyer to join their fast-paced merchandising team. This role is crucial in supporting the buying team to select and procure merchandise that aligns with the company's brand strategy and customer demographics. You will be involved in trend analysis, vendor liaison, price negotiation, and ensuring the timely delivery of products to stores. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for fashion trends, strong analytical skills, and a passion for the retail industry. This hybrid role allows for collaboration with the team in the office and flexibility for market research and sourcing activities. You will play an integral part in shaping the product offering for our client's stores.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the selection and buying of merchandise for various retail categories.
• Conduct market research to identify emerging trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences.
• Liaise with suppliers and vendors to obtain product information, samples, and quotes.
• Support in price negotiation to achieve favorable terms and margins.
• Process purchase orders and ensure timely delivery of goods to distribution centers and stores.
• Monitor stock levels and analyze sales data to provide insights for future buying decisions.
• Collaborate with the marketing and visual merchandising teams to ensure cohesive product presentation.
• Attend trade shows, industry events, and supplier meetings as required.
• Maintain product information databases and manage samples.
• Contribute to the development of seasonal buying plans and strategies.

Requirements

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in retail buying, merchandising, or a related field.
• A strong understanding of the retail market, particularly in fashion or lifestyle products.
• Excellent analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• A degree in Merchandising, Fashion Design, Business, or a related field is preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management skills.
• A proactive attitude and a passion for retail and product development.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to grow within a supportive retail environment.
• You will gain valuable experience in buying and merchandising within a recognized brand.
• The hybrid work model offers a good work-life balance.
• Employee discounts and exposure to the full buying cycle are key benefits.
• This role provides a fantastic foundation for a career in retail buying and management.
• Medical aid and retirement benefits are part of the comprehensive package.