Buyer

Pepkor Lifestyle; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Pepkor Lifestyle is seeking a Buyer to grow the Merchandise Division by building balanced assortments across Networks/Wearables/Storage. You will monitor stock, sales, margin and assortment to meet KPI targets and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

The role requires analytical thinking, decisiveness, and a proactive, customer-focused approach. A relevant diploma/degree and 5-8 years of retail buying experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Matric (grade 12) and relevant diploma/degree.
• Diploma or Degree in Fashion, Marketing, Design, BsC or BComm.
• 5-8 years’ experience in retail, preferably furniture.
• Proven buying track record.
• Strong MS Excel and retail maths knowledge.
• Analytical and data interpretation skills.

Responsibilities

• Compile quarterly product statistics, range reviews, and post-season reports using sales and trend data.
• Manage product process from design to go-live on site.
• Develop exit strategies for discontinued products while preserving margin.
• Build strong supplier relationships for best prices and exclusive stock.
• Develop products based on global trends aligned with department strategy.
• Flag stock/delivery risks and ensure critical path timelines.

Skills

Analytical

Decisive

Proactive

Customer-focused

Collaboration

Self-managed

MS Excel

Retail maths

Data interpretation

Education

Matric (grade 12)

Diploma or Degree in Fashion, Marketing, Design, BsC or BComm

Tools

MS Office (Excel)

Job description

As a Buyer you will contribute to the continued growth of the Merchandise Division for Pepkor Lifestyle within the Group Merchandise department. Your primary accountability is to build balanced range assortments throughout the (Networks/Wearables/Storage) category for the various brands in the Division

The Role requires the incumbent to be:

• Analytic
• Decisive
• Continuously learning & improving
• Think big
• Proactive
• Obsess about the customer and the customer experience
• Accountable
• Able to collaborate with various role players internally and externally
• Trustworthy, approachable and open minded
• Able to simplify processes and solve complexity
• First to market by obsessively monitoring global and local markets trends
• Action orientated
• Self-managed
• Able to monitor stock, sales, margin and assortment to ensure delivery of KPI’s.

Key Requirements:

• Use internal and external trend sources to confidently compile and present quarterly product statistics, range reviews and post seasonal to retail heads, supported by sales, customer and trend data.
• Manage the product process from design, briefing and development to go live on site.
• Develop exit strategies for discontinued products/ ranges, whilst preserving overall margin.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to negotiate best price, great value offers and exclusive stock in line with company strategy.
• Using source of supply to develop products based on global trends in line with department strategy to produce world class, balanced, locally relevant furniture & accessories.
• Ensure critical path timelines are adhered to. Be proactive in flagging potential stock and delivery shortfalls.
• Compile weekly trade feedback reports through consistent analysis and interpretation of data that show how you will trade your range in-season to drive sell-through and reduce markdown.
• Work alongside Suppliers to ensure product quality is in line with the Divisions standards.
• Support the Marketing & Operations teams in delivering a world-class customer experience in product delivery & service.
• Manage and mentor Planners within your team, creating a cohesive, results driven environment to support optimal performance and personal development.
• Be proactive and innovative in all areas of your role to ensure maximum efficiency is achieved.
• Matric (grade 12).
• Relevant Diploma or Degree in Fashion, Marketing, Design, BsC or BComm.
• 5- 8 years’ experience in retail and more specifically within furniture or related industry.
• Demonstrated buying record of accomplishment.
• Competency in MS Office packages specifically in Excel.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of retail maths.
• Proven ability in analytical & logical interpretation of data.