Junior Retail Buyer

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive starting salary

Comprehensive training and mentorship

Exposure to full buying cycle

Employee discounts on company products

Collaborative team environment

Career progression potential

Annual performance bonus

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth is seeking a Junior Retail Buyer to support senior buyers with market research, supplier sourcing, and assortment planning. You will help drive profitable product selection and manage inventory while learning the full retail buying cycle.

The role demands analytical thinking, communication, and teamwork, with opportunities for training, mentorship, and career growth in a dynamic fashion-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and market information.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential; experience with retail management software is a plus.
• A keen eye for product and an understanding of retail trends.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Proactive and eager to learn with a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in Port Elizabeth.
• A passion for retail and the buying process.
• Previous internship experience in retail buying or merchandising is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior buyers in researching market trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences.
• Source and evaluate potential new products and suppliers based on defined criteria.
• Participate in product selection meetings and provide input on assortment planning.
• Support the negotiation of pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Maintain accurate product information and manage the purchase order process.
• Monitor sales performance of assigned product categories and provide reports to senior management.
• Assist with inventory management to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize markdowns.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising teams to ensure effective product launches.
• Stay abreast of industry developments and emerging fashion or product trends.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Excel

Retail trends

Team player

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, Supply Chain Management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Retail management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and trend-setting retail company, is looking for an eager and analytical Junior Retail Buyer to join their team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape . This is an exceptional entry-level opportunity for a motivated individual passionate about product selection, market trends, and the retail buying process. You will work closely with senior buyers to identify potential products, negotiate with suppliers, and manage inventory assortments that appeal to our target customer base. The role demands a blend of creativity, commercial awareness, and strong analytical skills to ensure our product offerings are competitive and profitable. This is a prime chance to launch your career in retail buying in the picturesque city of Port Elizabeth .

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior buyers in researching market trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences.
• Source and evaluate potential new products and suppliers based on defined criteria.
• Participate in product selection meetings and provide input on assortment planning.
• Support the negotiation of pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Maintain accurate product information and manage the purchase order process.
• Monitor sales performance of assigned product categories and provide reports to senior management.
• Assist with inventory management to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize markdowns.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising teams to ensure effective product launches.
• Stay abreast of industry developments and emerging fashion or product trends.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and market information.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential; experience with retail management software is a plus.
• A keen eye for product and an understanding of retail trends.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Proactive and eager to learn with a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in Port Elizabeth .
• A passion for retail and the buying process.
• Previous internship experience in retail buying or merchandising is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary and potential for salary increases based on performance.
• Opportunities for comprehensive training and mentorship from experienced buyers.
• Exposure to the full retail buying cycle.
• Employee discounts on company products.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Potential for career progression into senior buying roles.
• Annual performance bonus.