Retail Buyer - Fashion & Apparel

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 500,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Employee discounts on fashion apparel

Health and wellness benefits

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a trend-savvy Retail Buyer in Sandton to curate fashion apparel assortments that resonate with the market. This hybrid role blends in-office planning and supplier meetings with remote trend research to drive sales and profitability.

You will identify trends, negotiate terms, manage budgets, and optimize product mix for commercial success. Strong analytics and negotiation skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Retail Buyer, preferably within the fashion or apparel industry.
• Proven track record of successful buying and assortment planning.
• Strong understanding of the fashion market, current trends, and consumer behavior.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and financial acumen skills.
• Proficiency in retail buying software and MS Office Suite (Excel).
• Ability to work effectively in both a collaborative office environment and independently remotely.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for sourcing and trade shows.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify current and future fashion trends to inform buying decisions for apparel categories.
• Source and select merchandise from a range of suppliers, negotiating terms, prices, and delivery schedules.
• Develop and manage seasonal buying plans and budgets to meet sales and margin targets.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to optimize product assortment and inventory levels.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Collaborate with the merchandising, marketing, and visual teams to ensure effective product presentation and promotion.
• Monitor stock performance and make informed decisions regarding reorders, markdowns, and clearance activities.
• Attend trade shows, fashion events, and industry conferences to stay ahead of trends.
• Ensure product quality and compliance with company standards.
• Prepare regular reports on buying performance, sales trends, and market insights.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Financial acumen

MS Excel

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Education

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

Tools

Retail buying software

MS Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the fashion retail sector, is seeking a trend-savvy and analytical Retail Buyer to join their dynamic team. This hybrid role, based in the bustling commercial hub of Sandton, Gauteng , offers the exciting opportunity to curate and source fashion apparel collections that resonate with their target market. You will be responsible for identifying emerging trends, negotiating with suppliers, managing budgets, and ensuring the right product mix to drive sales and profitability. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the fashion industry, excellent negotiation skills, and a keen eye for commercial viability. This position involves a combination of in-office strategic planning and supplier meetings, alongside remote work for analysis and trend research. If you have a passion for fashion, a strategic mindset, and a proven ability to drive commercial success, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and identify current and future fashion trends to inform buying decisions for apparel categories.
• Source and select merchandise from a range of suppliers, negotiating terms, prices, and delivery schedules.
• Develop and manage seasonal buying plans and budgets to meet sales and margin targets.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to optimize product assortment and inventory levels.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Collaborate with the merchandising, marketing, and visual teams to ensure effective product presentation and promotion.
• Monitor stock performance and make informed decisions regarding reorders, markdowns, and clearance activities.
• Attend trade shows, fashion events, and industry conferences to stay ahead of trends.
• Ensure product quality and compliance with company standards.
• Prepare regular reports on buying performance, sales trends, and market insights.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Retail Buyer, preferably within the fashion or apparel industry.
• Proven track record of successful buying and assortment planning.
• Strong understanding of the fashion market, current trends, and consumer behavior.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and financial acumen skills.
• Proficiency in retail buying software and MS Office Suite (especially Excel).
• Ability to work effectively in both a collaborative office environment and independently remotely.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for sourcing and trade shows.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus structure based on performance.
• Hybrid work model offering a balance of office and remote flexibility.
• Opportunities to influence fashion trends and shape product assortments.
• Generous employee discounts on fashion apparel.
• Professional development and potential for career advancement.
• Dynamic and creative work environment in a leading retail company.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Travel opportunities for trade shows and sourcing.
• Pension fund contribution.
• Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions.