Buyer All Levels

MyRunway; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Runway in Cape Town is seeking a proactive Buyer to own assigned product categories, drive sales and profitability, and build strong supplier partnerships. You will negotiate pricing and terms, curate compelling assortments aligned to customer demand, and analyse performance data to inform decisions.

You will partner with Planning, Marketing, Operations and Finance to execute category strategies end-to-end.

Qualifications

• 4+ years' experience in Buying, Category Management, Merchandise, or Commercial role.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and commercial negotiations.
• Strong understanding of retail mathematics, margin management, stock optimisation, and sales performance.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of assigned product categories and drive sales, profitability, and growth.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with local and international suppliers and brand partners.
• Negotiate pricing, trading terms, promotions, and exclusive opportunities.
• Build compelling product assortments aligned to customer demand and business objectives.
• Analyse sales performance, stock levels, margins, and sell-through to inform buying decisions.
• Partner closely with Planning, Marketing, Operations, and Finance teams to execute category strategies.
• Identify opportunities to improve product performance, reduce markdown exposure, and maximise profitability.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer behaviour to stay ahead of emerging opportunities.
• Manage the end-to-end buying cycle from product selection through to launch and performance review.
• Contribute to category strategy and support the continuous evolution of the Runway product offering.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Reporting skills

Negotiation

Supplier relationships

Category management

Retail math

Data-driven decisions

Attention to detail

Education

Tertiary qualification preferred

Tools

Excel

Job description

Shape the product. Drive the numbers. Build the partnerships.

At Runway, buying is more than placing orders.

It's about spotting opportunities before everyone else does, building strong supplier relationships, negotiating smart deals, and making commercial decisions that move the business forward.

We're looking for a Buyer who combines strong commercial instincts with analytical thinking. Someone who enjoys owning a category, making data-driven decisions, and working closely with suppliers to create exciting product assortments that customers love.

If you're energised by a fast-moving retail environment, enjoy taking ownership, and want to make a visible impact, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Own:

• Take full ownership of assigned product categories and drive sales, profitability, and growth.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with local and international suppliers and brand partners.
• Negotiate pricing, trading terms, promotions, and exclusive opportunities.
• Build compelling product assortments aligned to customer demand and business objectives.
• Analyse sales performance, stock levels, margins, and sell-through to inform buying decisions.
• Partner closely with Planning, Marketing, Operations, and Finance teams to execute category strategies.
• Identify opportunities to improve product performance, reduce markdown exposure, and maximise profitability.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer behaviour to stay ahead of emerging opportunities.
• Manage the end-to-end buying cycle from product selection through to launch and performance review.
• Contribute to category strategy and support the continuous evolution of the Runway product offering.

What Makes You Successful:

• Commercially minded with strong business acumen.
• Confident negotiator who knows how to build lasting supplier partnerships.
• Naturally curious and analytical, with a strong understanding of retail metrics.
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Comfortable making decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communicator who can influence stakeholders across the business.
• Detail-oriented without losing sight of the bigger commercial picture.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable taking ownership.
• Advanced Excel and reporting skills.
• Passionate about product, retail, fashion, and ecommerce.

Your Experience:

• 4+ years' experience in a Buying, Category Management, Merchandise, or Commercial role.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and commercial negotiations.
• Strong understanding of retail mathematics, margin management, stock optimisation, and sales performance.
• Previous experience within retail or ecommerce environments.
• Exposure to mentoring, coaching, or leading others is beneficial but not essential.
• Relevant tertiary qualification preferred, although proven experience is equally valued.

The Hard Truth: Not For Everyone:

• Ecommerce Speed, Not Retail Planning: Forget seasonal cycles and trend-forecasting. We operate in real-time. If you can’t pivot your entire strategy by lunch to react to morning data, you won't keep up.
• Commercial, Not Aesthetic: We don't "curate" ranges; we build high-margin engines. If you find deep-diving into Excel and stock sheets boring, you’ll find this role frustrating by week two.
• High-Stakes Transparency: Your performance is live. There’s no hiding behind "brand sentiment". Your success lives and dies by margin, sell-through, and stock turn. The numbers don't lie.
• Zero Buffer: This isn't a "strategic desk job." You’re in the trenches with Warehouse and Ops. When things shift (and they will) you need to execute in minutes, not days.

Ready to make waves in the world of online fashion? Your journey to greatness starts here at Runway! #FashionForwardCareer

MyRunway is committed to transformation and redressing of past inequalities. Our employment equity goals will be taken into account in our selection process.