Retail Buyer

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses based on performance

Health and retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Retail Buyer for its central buying office with strong ties to Upington, Northern Cape. You will identify market trends, select merchandise, and negotiate with suppliers to build a compelling, profitable product assortment.

The ideal candidate has at least four years in retail buying or category management, excellent analytical and negotiation skills, and a passion for fashion trends. Some travel to supplier meetings and trade shows is expected.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in retail buying or category management, with a proven track record of successful product selection and negotiation.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex sales data and market research.
• Understanding of retail buying cycles, inventory management, and merchandising principles.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills with the ability to build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Proficiency in Excel for data analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Analyze market trends, sales data, and competitor activity to identify opportunities for new products and categories.
• Develop and execute buying plans aligned with company objectives and target customer demographics in Upington and other regions.
• Source and evaluate potential suppliers, negotiating favourable terms, pricing, and payment conditions.
• Select and curate merchandise assortments for various retail channels, ensuring optimal product mix and inventory levels.
• Manage the entire product lifecycle from initial selection to final sale, including monitoring stock performance and implementing markdown strategies.
• Collaborate closely with the merchandising, marketing, and store operations teams to ensure effective product launches and promotional campaigns.
• Monitor inventory levels across the supply chain, working to minimize stockouts and reduce excess inventory.
• Prepare regular reports on buying performance, sales trends, and market insights for senior management.
• Attend trade shows, industry events, and supplier meetings to stay abreast of the latest product innovations and market developments.
• Contribute to the overall strategic direction of the company’s product offering.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication

Market awareness

Fashion/product sense

Education

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

Tools

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading specialty retailer, is seeking a strategic and discerning Retail Buyer to join their central buying office, which operates with a significant presence in Upington, Northern Cape . This crucial role involves identifying market trends, selecting desirable merchandise, and negotiating with suppliers to ensure the company offers a compelling and profitable product assortment. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for product, strong analytical skills, and a deep understanding of the retail landscape in South Africa , particularly within the designated region. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned buyer to make a substantial impact on product strategy and commercial success for our client in the Northern Cape and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze market trends, sales data, and competitor activity to identify opportunities for new products and categories.
• Develop and execute comprehensive buying plans and strategies aligned with company objectives and target customer demographics in Upington and other regions.
• Source and evaluate potential suppliers, building strong relationships and negotiating favourable terms, pricing, and payment conditions.
• Select and curate merchandise assortments for various retail channels, ensuring optimal product mix and inventory levels.
• Manage the entire product lifecycle from initial selection to final sale, including monitoring stock performance and implementing markdown strategies.
• Collaborate closely with the merchandising, marketing, and store operations teams to ensure effective product launches and promotional campaigns.
• Monitor inventory levels across the supply chain, working to minimize stockouts and reduce excess inventory.
• Prepare regular reports on buying performance, sales trends, and market insights for senior management.
• Attend trade shows, industry events, and supplier meetings to stay abreast of the latest product innovations and market developments.
• Contribute to the overall strategic direction of the company’s product offering.

Requirements

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in retail buying or category management, with a proven track record of successful product selection and negotiation.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex sales data and market research.
• Demonstrated understanding of retail buying cycles, inventory management, and merchandising principles.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• A keen commercial sense and a passion for product and fashion trends.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field is preferred.
• Willingness to travel as required for supplier meetings, trade shows, and potential site visits to Upington or other relevant locations.
• Must be based in or have strong ties to the Northern Cape region, or be able to work effectively remotely with periodic travel.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, generous performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive health and retirement benefits. This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth and the chance to shape the product offering of a prominent retailer in the Northern Cape .