Nelspruit-Based Senior Retail Buyer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Remote; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Bonus program

Health benefits

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Senior Retail Buyer to drive product assortment and procurement strategy for a globally recognized brand. The role is fully remote, with the flexibility to work from anywhere, and requires sourcing high-quality products, supplier negotiations, and managing buying cycles from conception to shelf.

Ideal candidates will have 7+ years in retail buying, strong negotiation and analytical skills, and a Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in retail buying.
• Proven success in developing and managing product assortments for a retail environment.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with the ability to interpret sales data and trends.
• Experience in building and maintaining supplier relationships.
• Proficiency in using buying and inventory management software.
• Willingness to travel occasionally; remote role.

Responsibilities

• Identify market trends and consumer preferences to inform product assortment strategies.
• Source new suppliers, evaluate quality, price, and ethics.
• Negotiate terms and contracts to maximize profitability.
• Develop product line plans and buying calendars with timely deliveries.
• Analyze sales data to optimize product mix and inventory levels.
• Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising for launches.
• Manage supplier relationships and communications.
• Monitor industry practices and competitor offerings.

Skills

Retail buying

Negotiation

Data analysis

Supplier management

Communication

Remote work

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or related field

Tools

Buying and inventory management software

Job description

Our client, a prestigious and expanding retailer, is seeking an experienced and strategic Remote Senior Retail Buyer to drive their product assortment and procurement strategy. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while contributing to a globally recognized brand. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying market trends, sourcing high-quality products, negotiating with suppliers, and ultimately curating a compelling merchandise mix that resonates with the target customer. This role requires a deep understanding of the retail landscape, exceptional analytical skills, and a proven ability to manage complex buying cycles from conception to shelf. The buyer will be instrumental in shaping the future of our client's product offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify emerging market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape to inform product assortment strategies.
• Source new suppliers and vendors, evaluating them based on quality, reliability, price, and ethical standards.
• Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and contracts with suppliers to maximize profitability and ensure supply chain efficiency.
• Develop and manage detailed product line plans and buying calendars, ensuring timely delivery of merchandise.
• Analyze sales data, market performance, and customer feedback to optimize product mix and inventory levels.
• Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising teams to develop cohesive product launches and promotional campaigns.
• Manage supplier relationships, ensuring strong partnerships and effective communication.
• Monitor industry best practices and competitor offerings to maintain a competitive edge.
• Conduct thorough cost analysis and ensure adherence to budget constraints.
• Stay abreast of international sourcing opportunities and global market dynamics relevant to the retail sector.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in retail buying, with a strong focus on product selection and negotiation.
• Proven success in developing and managing successful product assortments for a retail environment.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with the ability to interpret sales data and market trends.
• Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining strong supplier relationships.
• Proficiency in using buying and inventory management software.
• Ability to work independently and manage a demanding workload in a remote setting.
• A keen eye for product quality, design, and market appeal.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for supplier meetings or industry events, though the primary role is remote.

Benefits

This role offers the significant advantage of being fully remote, providing exceptional work-life balance and flexibility. Our client offers a highly competitive salary, a performance-based bonus structure, comprehensive health benefits, and generous opportunities for professional development and career advancement. You will be empowered to make strategic decisions that directly impact the company's product success and have the opportunity to work with a dedicated and innovative team from wherever you are, influencing retail strategy far beyond the geographical location of Stellenbosch, Western Cape .