Assistant Retail Buyer

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Annual bonus

Employee discounts

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Retail Buyer in Richards Bay to support market research, supplier negotiations, and product selection within a dynamic retail buying environment.

You will assist in data analysis, order processing, and coordination with logistics to ensure timely delivery, while contributing to margin targets and staying aligned with current consumer trends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in merchandising, marketing, or business administration.
• 1–2 years in retail, merchandising, or buying support.
• Strong analytical skills and Excel proficiency.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Detail-oriented with knowledge of current retail trends.
• Ability to multitask and work in a team.
• Willingness to commute to Richards Bay for in-office days.

Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Buyers in researching market trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences.
• Support the product selection process by gathering samples, preparing product comparisons, and attending trade shows.
• Help manage supplier relationships, including communication, order placement, and issue resolution.
• Process purchase orders and ensure accurate data entry into the inventory management system.
• Track product performance, sales data, and inventory levels, providing regular reports to the Buying team.
• Coordinate with logistics and warehousing teams to ensure timely delivery of goods.
• Assist in the preparation of buying presentations and strategy meetings.
• Contribute to achieving margin targets and sales goals through effective product sourcing and pricing.
• Stay updated on industry developments and propose innovative product ideas.
• Ensure all buying activities comply with company policies and ethical standards.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Detail-oriented

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Merchandising/Marketing/Business Administration or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Inventory management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent retailer, is seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Assistant Retail Buyer to join their procurement team, based in the vibrant coastal city of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is crucial in supporting the Buying team to curate an appealing and profitable product assortment. You will assist in market research, supplier negotiations, and product selection, ensuring our client remains competitive and responsive to customer trends. This is a fantastic opportunity for an aspiring buyer to gain hands-on experience in the fast-paced retail buying environment. The position offers a hybrid work model, blending in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. You'll work closely with the merchandising, marketing, and sales departments to align product strategies with business goals. We are looking for someone with a keen eye for detail and a passion for fashion and consumer goods.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Buyers in researching market trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences.
• Support the product selection process by gathering samples, preparing product comparisons, and attending trade shows.
• Help manage supplier relationships, including communication, order placement, and issue resolution.
• Process purchase orders and ensure accurate data entry into the inventory management system.
• Track product performance, sales data, and inventory levels, providing regular reports to the Buying team.
• Coordinate with logistics and warehousing teams to ensure timely delivery of goods.
• Assist in the preparation of buying presentations and strategy meetings.
• Contribute to achieving margin targets and sales goals through effective product sourcing and pricing.
• Stay updated on industry developments and propose innovative product ideas.
• Ensure all buying activities comply with company policies and ethical standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 1-2 years of experience in retail, merchandising, or a related buying support role.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• A keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of current retail trends.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Familiarity with inventory management systems is a plus.
• Must be able to commute to Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal for in-office days as part of the hybrid arrangement.
• Highly organized and able to meet deadlines.
• Passion for the retail industry and product development.

Benefits

• Hybrid work model offering a balance between office and remote work.
• Competitive salary and potential for annual bonuses.
• Opportunity to learn and grow within a dynamic retail buying department.
• Employee discounts on a wide range of products.
• Exposure to various aspects of the retail supply chain.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
• Professional development opportunities.