Mid-Level Buyer

CaRRoL BoYeS; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 279,000 - 390,600; Full time

Job summary

A leading design-led retail brand in Cape Town seeks an experienced Buyer to join their dynamic team. The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing materials and managing supplier relationships, ensuring that product offerings align with both creative vision and commercial targets. Candidates should have 3–5 years of experience in buying or procurement within retail, with proficiency in Excel, strong research skills, and the ability to negotiate effectively. Join this vibrant team to contribute to innovative product development.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in a buying or procurement role, ideally in retail.
• Proficient in Excel, including formulas and data analysis.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute seasonal buying strategies for various product categories.
• Source and negotiate with suppliers to secure quality materials.
• Collaborate with product development and merchandising teams.

Skills

Negotiation

Market research

Data analysis

Forecasting techniques

Excel proficiency

Education

Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain, Buying, Fashion Merchandising

Job description

Position Overview

An established design-led retail brand is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Buyer to join its dynamic team in Cape Town. This individual will be responsible for sourcing materials and finished goods, managing supplier relationships, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure product ranges meet both creative vision and commercial targets.

Responsibilities

As a Buyer at Carrol Boyes, your responsibilities will include:

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute seasonal buying strategies across various product categories (e.g. homeware, lifestyle, gifting).
• Source and negotiate with local and international suppliers to secure quality materials and products at competitive prices.
• Collaborate closely with product development, design, and merchandising teams to align buying plans with design briefs and market trends.
• Monitor inventory levels and ensure product availability in line with demand planning.
• Conduct regular market research and competitor analysis to identify gaps and opportunities.
• Assess product samples for cost-effectiveness, quality, and brand suitability.
• Manage supplier performance, resolve delivery or quality issues, and ensure compliance with lead times and SLAs.
• Maintain accurate records, purchase orders, pricing files, and supplier contracts.

Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a buying or procurement role, ideally within a retail, design, or consumer goods environment.
• A Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain, Buying, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field
• Proficiency in computer literacy, Excel (including formulas, pivot tables, data extraction, and formatting), market research, data analysis, and forecasting techniques.
• Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of merchandising best practices.
• Detail-oriented, able to work under pressure, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a results-focused mindset.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about product development and sourcing within a design-driven environment.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and deadline-focused.
• Strong communicator with the ability to build collaborative internal and external relationships.
• Proactive, adaptable, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment.

If you're ready to contribute to a dynamic team and play a vital role in shaping our merchandise offerings, we encourage you to apply today!