Assistant Retail Buyer

Placements24; Randfontein; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance coverage

Employee discounts on merchandise

Opportunities for professional growth

Pension fund contributions

Job summary

Placements24 in SA is seeking an Assistant Retail Buyer to join the procurement team in Rustenburg. You will support senior buyers, analyze sales trends, and assist in sourcing, supplier negotiations, and assortment planning to meet customer demand and company goals.

This role offers growth in a fast-paced fashion retail environment. Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree, 1–2 years retail buying or merchandising experience, strong Excel skills, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or related field.
• 1–2 years of experience in a retail buying or merchandising environment or strong internship.
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills.
• Strong understanding of retail market trends and consumer behavior.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other office software.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Buyers in sourcing and selecting new products and suppliers.
• Analyze sales data and market trends to identify opportunities for new product development and assortment planning.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Manage product samples and maintain organized records of product information.
• Prepare reports on product performance, sales forecasts, and inventory levels.
• Collaborate with merchandising and marketing teams to ensure successful product launches.
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends to provide insights to the buying team.
• Attend trade shows and industry events to identify new products and suppliers.
• Process purchase orders and manage supplier relationships.
• Assist in the management of inventory levels and stock replenishment.
• Ensure product quality and compliance with company standards.
• Provide support to the buying team in all operational aspects.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading retail organization, is seeking a detail-oriented and ambitious Assistant Retail Buyer to join their procurement team based in Rustenburg, North West. This role is fundamental in supporting the Buying team to source and select merchandise that meets customer demand and company objectives. The ideal candidate will assist in identifying market trends, negotiating with suppliers, and managing product assortments. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with a keen eye for fashion or product trends and a passion for the retail industry to grow their career. You will be involved in the entire product lifecycle, from initial sourcing to final product placement in stores. The position requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving within a fast-paced environment. Contribute to the strategic direction of product offerings and play a key role in ensuring our client remains competitive and relevant in the market. Your insights into consumer preferences and market dynamics will be invaluable in shaping the product portfolio and driving sales performance. This role provides a solid foundation for aspiring buyers in the retail sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Buyers in sourcing and selecting new products and suppliers.
• Analyze sales data and market trends to identify opportunities for new product development and assortment planning.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Manage product samples and maintain organized records of product information.
• Prepare reports on product performance, sales forecasts, and inventory levels.
• Collaborate with merchandising and marketing teams to ensure successful product launches.
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends to provide insights to the buying team.
• Attend trade shows and industry events to identify new products and suppliers.
• Process purchase orders and manage supplier relationships.
• Assist in the management of inventory levels and stock replenishment.
• Ensure product quality and compliance with company standards.
• Provide support to the buying team in all operational aspects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field.
• 1-2 years of experience in a retail buying or merchandising environment, or a strong internship experience.
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills.
• Strong understanding of retail market trends and consumer behavior.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other office software.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Passion for retail and a keen eye for product.
• Familiarity with sourcing and supply chain processes is a plus.
• Willingness to travel for trade shows and supplier meetings in and around Rustenburg, North West.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Employee discounts on merchandise.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within the buying department.
• Exposure to diverse product categories and supplier networks.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Contribution to pension fund.