Buyer II Beauty (Brands)

Woolworths; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A major South African retailer is seeking a strategic Buyer to lead the fragrance category. This position involves developing brand strategies, negotiating terms with suppliers, and driving performance to boost sales and market share. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of buying experience, preferably in Branded Beauty, and strong negotiation skills. Interested candidates should send their CV to [e-mail].

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ buying experience, preferably in Branded Beauty.
• Ability to interpret data into actionable insights.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy for a branded portfolio in the fragrance category.
• Negotiate brand terms and manage onboarding.
• Monitor performance to drive sales and profit.

Skills

Strategic planning

Brand management

Negotiation skills

Commercial acumen

Customer orientation

Stakeholder engagement

Team collaboration

Job description

Overview

To lead the strategic curation and performance of a Branded portfolio of brands within the fragrance category by delivering a customer-led, trend-relevant and commercially sound assortment. This role is responsible for driving brand partnerships, margin growth and innovation to strengthen Woolworths’ position as a trusted authority in the beauty space.

We’re looking for a forward-thinking and strategic Buyer to shape and grow one of the most dynamic categories in our business.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Planning

• Integrate customer segmentation and trend insights to shape a brand-led assortment strategy.
• Contribute to the development of departmental operating plans that align with Group KPIs and customer needs.
• Lead post- and in-season analysis to inform trade and planning decisions.

Range Development & Assortment Curation

• Build a balanced, forward-thinking range with appropriate price tiering and innovation.
• Ensure strong brand positioning, exclusivity, and customer relevance.

Brand & Supplier Management

• Negotiate brand support, service levels, and trading terms that optimise margin and commercial returns.
• Manage onboarding and exit of brands within agreed timelines and strategic intent.

Performance & Trade

• Monitor weekly and monthly performance to identify trade opportunities and course-correct where needed.
• Leverage insights to maximise sales, profit, and market share.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with Planning, Marketing, Stores, and Online to deliver a seamless, omnichannel beauty experience.
• Conduct regular store visits to assess product execution and customer interaction.

People Development

• Coach and develop Buying Assistants and Buyer I.
• Inspire the team to achieve and deliver the departmental operational plan and meet/exceed KPI's.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ buying experience (Branded Beauty preferred).
• Strong strategic planning, brand management and negotiation skills.
• Proven commercial acumen with the ability to interpret data into action.
• Deep customer orientation, trend awareness and competitive insight.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and team collaboration skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, results-driven and comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Seniority level

• Associate

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Strategy/Planning, Management, and Product Management

Industries

• Retail

If you are interested in the above position please send your CV to [e-mail] stating clearly the position you are applying for.