Senior Retail Buyer - Benoni

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Employee discount

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Retail Buyer for our client in Benoni, Gauteng. You will shape the product assortment, negotiate with suppliers, and drive profitability across multiple outlets with a hybrid work model.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in retail buying, excellent negotiation skills, and deep market insight into consumer trends and product development. Travel to trade shows and supplier sites is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising or related field.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in retail buying, with senior responsibilities.
• Proven track record in negotiation and supplier relationship management.
• Strong analytical skills with budgeting/forecasting experience.
• Deep understanding of retail market, trends, and product development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in retail buying software and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive buying plans aligned with sales targets and margins.
• Identify market trends and consumer needs to guide sourcing decisions.
• Source new suppliers and manage key relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules.
• Analyze sales, inventory, and market data to optimize assortment and stock.
• Manage product lifecycle from sourcing to clearance.
• Collaborate with marketing, VM, and store ops for launches and promotions.
• Prepare buying reports, forecasts, and budgets for management.
• Monitor competitor activities in the Gauteng retail landscape.
• Conduct supplier evaluations and performance reviews.
• Travel to trade shows and supplier locations as needed.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Analytical thinking

Budget forecasting

Communication

Strategic planning

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/Fashion Merchandising

Tools

Excel

Retail buying software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading retail group, is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Retail Buyer to join their team based in Benoni, Gauteng. This critical role involves sourcing, selecting, and negotiating the purchase of merchandise to meet customer demand and achieve financial objectives. The successful candidate will possess a keen understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and supplier management, with a proven ability to drive profitability through effective buying strategies. You will be instrumental in shaping the product assortment for various retail outlets, ensuring competitiveness and alignment with brand identity in the Benoni region and beyond. This is a high-impact position for a seasoned buyer.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive buying plans aligned with company sales targets and profit margins.
• Identify emerging market trends and consumer needs to inform product selection and sourcing strategies.
• Source new suppliers and build strong, long-term relationships with existing ones.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules to secure the best possible value.
• Analyze sales data, inventory levels, and market intelligence to optimize product assortment and stock levels.
• Manage the product lifecycle, from initial sourcing to final clearance.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, visual merchandising, and store operations teams to ensure cohesive product launches and promotions.
• Prepare buying reports, forecasts, and budgets for management review.
• Stay informed about competitor activities and industry developments within the Gauteng retail landscape.
• Conduct supplier evaluations and performance reviews.
• Travel to trade shows, supplier locations, and relevant industry events as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in retail buying, with a significant portion in a senior capacity.
• Proven track record of successful negotiation and supplier relationship management.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with financial forecasting and budget management.
• Deep understanding of the retail market, consumer trends, and product development.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in retail buying software and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strategic thinker with a commercial acumen.
• Willingness to travel domestically and potentially internationally.

Benefits

• Competitive executive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Significant influence on product selection for a major retail brand in Benoni.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in buying and merchandising.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous employee discount program.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment with a hybrid arrangement.
• Opportunity to shape the future product offerings.