Senior Retail Buyer

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 750,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Attractive commission structure

Comprehensive benefits package

Hybrid remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane is seeking a Senior Retail Buyer to lead the buying and assortment strategy for apparel and accessories. Based in Polokwane, Limpopo, the role offers a hybrid work arrangement blending remote work with on-site collaboration with teams and suppliers.

You will source and negotiate with suppliers, shape product ranges, analyze market trends, and drive profitability across channels while mentoring junior team members.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years in retail buying, preferably fashion or lifestyle.
• Proven track record in sourcing, negotiation and assortment planning.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret sales data and trends.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Hybrid work environment with ability to travel to Polokwane.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive buying strategies aligned with brand identity, market trends, and sales forecasts.
• Identify and source new products and suppliers, building strong, long-term relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to achieve optimal cost and value.
• Analyze sales data, market intelligence, and competitor activities to inform buying decisions and identify opportunities.
• Manage product assortment planning, ensuring a balanced and commercially viable range for all retail channels.
• Collaborate with marketing, merchandising, and store operations teams for cohesive launches.
• Monitor inventory levels and manage stock turn, implementing markdown-minimizing strategies.
• Attend trade shows, fashion events, and supplier meetings for industry insight.
• Manage buying budgets and ensure profitability targets for assigned categories.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior buying team members.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

MS Office

Buying software

Merchandising software

Education

Business degree

Fashion Merchandising degree

Tools

MS Office Suite

Buying software

Merchandising software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading fashion and lifestyle retailer, is seeking a highly experienced and commercially astute Senior Retail Buyer to join their dynamic team. This role is based in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA, with a hybrid working model allowing for a balance between strategic remote work and essential on-site collaboration with teams and suppliers. The Senior Buyer will be responsible for sourcing, selecting, and negotiating the purchase of products to meet company sales and profit objectives, with a strong focus on the apparel and accessories categories. You will play a critical role in shaping the product assortment, identifying emerging trends, and driving the overall buying strategy. If you possess a keen eye for fashion, strong negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the retail buying cycle, this is an exciting opportunity to influence product offerings and contribute to our client's market leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive buying strategies aligned with brand identity, market trends, and sales forecasts.
• Identify and source new products and suppliers, building strong, long-term relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to achieve optimal cost and value.
• Analyze sales data, market intelligence, and competitor activities to inform buying decisions and identify opportunities.
• Manage product assortment planning, ensuring a balanced and commercially viable range for all retail channels.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, merchandising, and store operations teams to ensure cohesive product launches and promotional activities.
• Monitor inventory levels and manage stock turn, implementing strategies to minimize markdowns and maximize sell-through.
• Attend trade shows, fashion events, and supplier meetings to stay abreast of industry developments and opportunities.
• Manage buying budgets and ensure profitability targets are met for assigned product categories.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior buying team members.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of experience in retail buying, preferably within fashion or lifestyle sectors.
• Proven track record of successful product sourcing, negotiation, and assortment planning.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and market trends.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• A deep understanding of the retail supply chain and inventory management principles.
• Proficiency in buying and merchandising software, as well as MS Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work environment.
• A relevant degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel to Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA for necessary meetings and store visits.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, attractive commission structure, and a comprehensive benefits package.
• This hybrid role provides the flexibility to work remotely while staying engaged with the vibrant retail environment of Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA.
• You will have the opportunity to shape product assortments for a leading brand and contribute directly to business success.
• Benefit from ongoing professional development and career advancement opportunities within a reputable organization.
• Join a collaborative team that values innovation, strategic thinking, and commercial acumen.