Buyer - Retail

The Legends Agency; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail firm in Cape Town seeks an experienced Buyer to join their vibrant merchandising team. The role involves sourcing innovative products, negotiating deals, and managing supplier relationships to support a design-led product strategy. Candidates should have 3-5 years of retail buying experience, strong commercial acumen, and proficiency in sourcing from China. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Professional development opportunities

Creative and collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years proven retail buying experience, ideally within design-led environments.
• Solid experience in sourcing from China and managing international suppliers.
• Strong commercial acumen with a clear understanding of category management.

Responsibilities

• Developing and executing strategic buying plans for seasonal launches.
• Sourcing and negotiating with local and international suppliers.
• Managing supplier relationships for product quality and timely deliveries.

Skills

Retail buying experience

Sourcing from China

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Supplier management

Commercial acumen

Microsoft Excel proficiency

Education

Diploma or Degree in Buying, Merchandising, Business, Supply Chain

Tools

Sage

SAP

Job description

Overview

Are you a commercially savvy Buyer with a passion for product development and sourcing within a creative, fast-paced environment? Do you thrive on discovering unique products, negotiating great deals, and partnering with dynamic teams to bring stunning ranges to market? If so, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

We are looking for an experienced Buyer to join our vibrant merchandising team. You will play a pivotal role in driving the sourcing, purchasing, and supplier management processes that support our design-led product development strategy. Your ability to combine commercial insight with a keen eye for quality and trends will directly impact our exciting product range across homeware, lifestyle, gifting, and appliances.

Responsibilities

• Developing and executing strategic buying plans aligned with seasonal product launches.
• Sourcing and negotiating with local and international suppliers, including direct factory sourcing from China.
• Managing supplier relationships to ensure product quality, timely deliveries, and competitive pricing.
• Collaborating closely with product development, design, marketing, and sales teams to align buying with creative vision and market trends.
• Conducting regular market research and competitor analysis to identify opportunities and stay ahead of trends.
• Overseeing sampling, approval processes, and quality assessments to maintain brand standards.
• Monitoring inventory and managing purchase orders, invoices, and payments with precision.
• Supporting project planning and end-to-end product development cycles.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years proven retail buying experience, ideally within design-led, retail, or e-commerce environments.
• Solid experience in sourcing from China and managing international suppliers.
• Strong commercial acumen with a clear understanding of category management, assortment planning, and the retail buying cycle.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas) and ERP systems such as Sage or SAP.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and supplier management skills.
• Diploma or Degree in Buying, Merchandising, Business, Supply Chain, or related field (degree advantageous).
• Passionate, detail-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, creative setting.
• Valid RSA drivers license and passport, with readiness to travel internationally when required.

Benefits

• Be part of a passionate, creative team where your buying expertise drives product innovation.
• Work in a vibrant, design-led environment that values collaboration and fresh ideas.
• Opportunity to manage exciting products across multiple lifestyle categories with strong market presence.
• Competitive salary and benefits package with room for growth and professional development.

Call to action

Ready to Take Your Buying Career to the Next Level?

If you're ready to bring your commercial flair, product passion, and negotiation skills to a thriving retail brand, we want to hear from you!