Senior Buyer

takealot.com; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

takealot.com, South Africa's leading online retailer, seeks a Senior Buyer (Toys) to join the Retail Team in Cape Town. The role leads procurement for the Toys category, manages supplier relationships, negotiates contracts, and drives growth through strategic planning and product listings.

The successful candidate will mentor junior buyers, influence buying decisions, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to exceed sales and service targets while delivering a superior customer experience.

Qualifications

• 5 years related retail buying / commerce / e-commerce experience.
• Experience in buying for Toys category.
• National Diploma / Bachelor's Degree (Business Science or Commerce degree preferable).
• If the Degree / Diploma qualification requirement isn't met, at least 8 years related retail / commerce / e-commerce experience will be required.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement and purchasing process within Takealot, managing supplier relationships and negotiating contracts.
• Mentor and guide junior buyers within the procurement team.
• Develop and implement a Toys strategy/plan to drive growth across the department.
• Deliver on key financial and service level performance indicators (sales, margins, listings availability, stock cover).
• Collaborate with operations to ensure a world-class customer experience and timely product delivery.

Skills

Retail buying

Toy category buying

Supplier management

Education

National Diploma / Bachelor's Degree (Business Science or Commerce)

Job description

takealot.com, South Africa's leading online retailer, is looking for a highly talented Senior Buyer (Toys) to join our Retail Team in Cape Town.

The successful incumbet will be responsible to take a leadership role in the procurement and purchasing process within Takealot, managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and making strategic decisions to ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply chain while also mentoring and providing guidance to junior buyers within the procurement team.

This position reports to the Divisional Buying Manager

Your responsibilities will include:

• Develop a comprehensive Toys strategy/plan to drive growth across the department in sales, brands, suppliers and new product listings.
• Plan to develop and drive growth across the department in sales, brands, suppliers and new product listings.
• Drive innovation by sourcing and prioritizing new brands and suppliers according to this growth plan and in line with market trends and consumer demand.
• Deliver against key financial and service level performance indicators within the department (sales, margin, listings availability, stock cover etc.).
• Manage and develop supplier relationships, negotiate good prices, improve trading terms and manage suppliers according to strict SLAs.
• Develop a promotional programme, source great deals and manage site merchandising for the department.
• Support the operations team in delivering a world-class customer experience – monitor department returns, support the customer service team on product queries and resolving any customer complaints.
• Manage stock and availability (including replenishment orders, stock cover).
• Deliver on customer experience within the department (ensuring products are delivered on time, supplier terms are aligned, product quality is managed etc.).

Qualification & Experience

• 5 years related retail buying / commerce / e-commerce experience.
• Experience in buying for Toys category.
• National Diploma / Bachelor's Degree (Business Science or Commerce degree preferable).
• If the Degree / Diploma qualification requirement isn't met, at least 8 years related retail / commerce / e-commerce experience will be required.
• Existing industry networks a significant plus.

Attributes Required:

• Solutions-oriented, can-do attitude; self-motivated.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking, ability to use data to inform decisions, identify the root cause and resolve problem.
• Strong product and buying planning skills.
• Ability to manage priorities according to clear prioritization and structured planning.
• Ability to build lasting supplier relationships and manage according to SLAs (existing industry networks a plus).
• Comfortable with change and excellent team player.
• Passionate about the Home industry and the potential of e-commerce.
• Understanding of the key business drivers within online retail.

The Environment:

• We laugh hard, work harder, and take full ownership of our wins (and learning moments!)
• Teamwork makes the dream work – we're solution-seekers who thrive on collaboration
• Got feedback? Bring it on! We're always hungry for fresh ideas and honest input
• Ego? We checked that at the door. Results? Now we're talking!

Like what you see?

If you meet the above you are an Extraordinary Mind so come and join us!

Takealot Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from the previously disadvantaged groups and people with disabilities, to apply.