Senior Retail Buyer

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Employee discounts

Hybrid work

Health insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Retail Buyer for our fashion retail partner in East London. You will oversee the buying function, identify trends, source products, negotiate terms, and curate a compelling assortment tailored to the regional market.

You will develop seasonal buying plans, analyze sales and inventory, and collaborate with marketing to ensure cohesive product strategy and store presentation. Strong negotiation, analytical and leadership skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in retail buying, preferably fashion or apparel
• Strong understanding of retail market trends, consumer behavior and product development
• Excellent analytical and forecasting skills
• Exceptional negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to travel domestically and potentially internationally for supplier meetings and trade shows
• Proficiency in buying and inventory management software
• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration or related field preferred

Responsibilities

• Identify emerging fashion trends and market opportunities to inform buying decisions.
• Source and select products from suppliers ensuring quality, style and cost-effectiveness.
• Negotiate favourable terms, pricing and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Develop and manage the seasonal buying plan and budget for assigned product categories.
• Analyze sales data, inventory levels and customer feedback to optimize product assortment and performance.
• Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising to align product strategies with promotions and store presentation.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term supplier relationships.
• Manage product lifecycle from sourcing to final sale, including markdowns and clearance strategies.
• Stay informed about competitor activities and market dynamics affecting East London retail.
• Present buying strategies and performance reviews to senior management

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Forecasting

Budget management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising or Business Administration

Tools

Inventory management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading fashion retailer, is looking for an experienced and strategic Senior Retail Buyer to join their dynamic merchandising team, overseeing buying functions for their operations in East London, Eastern Cape . This pivotal role will be responsible for identifying market trends, sourcing high-quality products, negotiating with suppliers, and curating a compelling product assortment that resonates with the target customer base in the region. The Senior Buyer will play a crucial part in driving product strategy, maximizing profitability, and ensuring the company remains competitive in the retail landscape of East London and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify emerging fashion trends and market opportunities to inform buying decisions.
• Source and select products from a diverse range of suppliers, ensuring quality, style, and cost-effectiveness.
• Negotiate favourable terms, pricing, and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Develop and manage the seasonal buying plan and budget for assigned product categories.
• Analyze sales data, inventory levels, and customer feedback to optimize product assortment and performance.
• Collaborate with the marketing and visual merchandising teams to ensure product strategies are aligned with promotional activities and store presentation.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with suppliers and industry contacts.
• Manage the product lifecycle from sourcing to final sale, including markdowns and clearance strategies.
• Stay informed about competitor activities and market dynamics affecting the retail sector in East London .
• Present buying strategies and performance reviews to senior management.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in retail buying, preferably within the fashion or apparel industry.
• Proven track record of successful product selection, negotiation, and budget management.
• Strong understanding of retail market trends, consumer behavior, and product development.
• Excellent analytical and forecasting skills.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and potentially internationally for supplier meetings and trade shows.
• Proficiency in buying and inventory management software.
• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• A keen eye for detail and a passion for fashion and retail.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, performance-based bonuses, significant employee discounts, and opportunities for career advancement within a reputable retail organization.
• This hybrid role offers the chance to work closely with suppliers and the merchandising team, with flexibility for in-person and remote collaboration.
• You will be instrumental in shaping the product offerings for customers in East London and contributing to the company's overall success.
• Benefits include comprehensive health insurance and a dynamic work environment.
• Join a forward-thinking company in the Eastern Cape and make a significant impact on its product strategy and commercial performance.