Assistant Retail Buyer

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Employee discounts

Industry exposure

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an enthusiastic and analytical Assistant Retail Buyer to join the procurement team in Vereeniging. This hybrid role blends on-site collaboration with remote data analysis, supporting the buying process from market research to vendor negotiations and inventory management.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or related field, plus internship or entry-level experience in retail buying.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising or related field.
• Internship or entry-level experience in retail buying or merchandising.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with ability to interpret sales data.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and MS Office.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment and manage tasks in Vereeniging.

Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Buyers in selection and purchasing of merchandise for retail stores.
• Conduct market research and analyze sales data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Monitor inventory levels and recommend reorder points or markdowns.
• Liaise with suppliers to obtain product information, samples, and quotes.
• Support pricing negotiations and terms with vendors.
• Maintain accurate product information and purchasing records.
• Prepare reports on sales performance, inventory status and market trends.
• Attend trade shows and industry events to identify new products and suppliers.
• Collaborate with marketing and merchandising on product placement and promotions.
• Assist in managing the product lifecycle from sourcing to final sale.

Skills

Analytical skills

Quantitative analysis

Negotiation

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Hybrid work adaptability

Trend analysis

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Excel

MS Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an enthusiastic and analytical Assistant Retail Buyer to join their procurement team, based in Vereeniging. This role is instrumental in supporting the buying team in sourcing and selecting merchandise that meets customer demand and aligns with the company's brand strategy. You will gain hands-on experience in various aspects of the buying process, from market research and trend analysis to vendor negotiation and inventory management. This hybrid position allows for a blend of on-site collaboration and remote data analysis, providing flexibility for the right candidate. The ideal individual is highly organized, possesses strong numerical skills, and has a keen eye for product and market trends relevant to the Vereeniging market and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Buyers in the selection and purchasing of merchandise for retail stores.
• Conduct market research and analyze sales data to identify product trends and opportunities.
• Monitor inventory levels and recommend reorder points or markdowns.
• Liaise with suppliers and vendors to obtain product information, samples, and quotes.
• Support the negotiation of pricing and terms with vendors.
• Maintain accurate product information and purchasing records.
• Prepare reports on sales performance, inventory status, and market trends.
• Attend trade shows and industry events to identify new products and suppliers.
• Collaborate with marketing and merchandising teams on product placement and promotional activities.
• Assist in managing the product lifecycle from initial sourcing to final sale.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field.
• Previous internship or entry-level experience in retail buying, merchandising, or fashion is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to interpret sales data.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote work with on-site requirements in Vereeniging.
• A keen interest in fashion, retail trends, and consumer markets.
• Proactive and eager to learn and contribute to the buying function.Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and opportunities for advancement within the buying department.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility between home and office.
• Exposure to the full retail buying cycle and industry best practices.
• Employee discounts on merchandise.
• Be part of a collaborative and supportive team in Vereeniging.
• Gain valuable experience in product sourcing and category management.