Buyer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Employee discounts

Hybrid role

Training & career progression

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape is seeking a skilled Buyer to curate and source product assortments for a designated category. You will negotiate with suppliers, manage inventories, and analyze market trends to optimize profitability and competitiveness. The hybrid role blends in-office collaboration with remote flexibility in the Mossel Bay area.

You will collaborate with marketing and planning teams to ensure successful launches and accurate category reviews for strategic growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Retail Management or related field.
• 3–5 years' experience in buying, merchandising, or category management in retail.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and supplier-management skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Source and select products for assigned categories aligned with demand and brand strategy.
• Negotiate pricing, terms and delivery timelines with suppliers for value and savings.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships to ensure reliable supply.
• Analyze sales data and market trends to identify assortment opportunities.
• Manage inventory with planning teams to prevent stockouts and excess stock.
• Ensure purchased products meet quality standards and regulations.
• Collaborate with marketing for product launches and in-store presentation.
• Present category reviews and purchasing plans to management.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical

Supply chain

Communication

Teamwork

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Retail

Tools

MS Office/Excel

Retail software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established retailer with a strong presence in the consumer goods sector, is looking for a skilled Buyer to join their team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role is crucial for curating and sourcing the product assortments that delight their customer base. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of market trends, supplier capabilities, and cost management to ensure profitable product offerings. This position offers a dynamic and engaging work environment within the beautiful coastal city of Mossel Bay , contributing directly to the company's commercial success in the Western Cape . You will be responsible for a specific category, ensuring its competitiveness and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and select products for assigned categories, ensuring alignment with customer demand and brand strategy.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to achieve optimal value and cost savings.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with a portfolio of suppliers, fostering collaboration and ensuring reliable supply.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activity to identify opportunities for assortment expansion or optimization.
• Manage inventory levels for assigned categories, working with planning teams to prevent stockouts and minimise excess inventory.
• Ensure all purchased products meet quality standards and comply with relevant regulations.
• Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising teams to ensure effective product launches and in-store presentation.
• Prepare and present category performance reviews and purchasing plans to management.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Retail Management, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in buying, merchandising, or category management, preferably within the retail sector.
• Proven negotiation skills and a strong understanding of supply chain dynamics.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and market information.
• Strong commercial acumen and a passion for product and retail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience with retail management software is an advantage.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Based in or willing to commute to Mossel Bay .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid, a retirement fund, and significant employee discounts on products.
• This hybrid role allows for a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.
• You'll have the opportunity to shape product offerings in a beautiful coastal setting.
• Our client invests in employee development, offering training and career progression paths.
• Join a supportive team in the vibrant community of Mossel Bay .