Senior Retail Buyer - Klerksdorp

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Health insurance

Staff discounts

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Retail Buyer for our retail client in Klerksdorp, North West, South Africa. This role blends strategic buying with hands-on execution to shape product assortment, negotiate supplier terms, and optimize inventory to meet demand and financial targets.

The ideal candidate has significant experience in retail buying or merchandising, strong data analysis, and proven supplier management skills.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in retail buying, merchandising, or related sourcing role.
• Ability to analyze sales data, market trends, and financial reports.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship skills.
• Understanding of product lifecycle management and inventory control.
• Proficiency in retail buying software and MS Excel.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or related field preferred.
• Flexibility for hybrid work model near Klerksdorp.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute buying strategies for assigned categories.
• Identify trends, customer needs, and competitor activity.
• Source new suppliers and nurture existing relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers.
• Plan and manage inventory to prevent stockouts and excess.
• Analyze sales data and product performance to optimize assortment.
• Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising on launches.
• Manage open-to-buy budget and meet financial targets.
• Stay informed on industry developments and sourcing opportunities.
• Conduct regular product reviews and assortment planning sessions.
• Travel to trade shows and supplier showrooms as needed.
• Mentor junior buying staff.

Skills

Retail buying

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Supplier relationship management

MS Excel

Strategic planning

Education

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

Tools

Retail buying software

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent name in the retail sector, is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Senior Retail Buyer to join their team in Klerksdorp . This exciting role is responsible for sourcing, selecting, and negotiating the purchase of merchandise to meet customer demand and achieve financial objectives. The Senior Buyer will play a key part in defining product assortment, driving category performance, and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers. This position offers a blend of strategic planning and hands-on execution, with potential for hybrid work arrangements to optimize collaboration and efficiency within the North West region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive buying strategies for assigned product categories.
• Identify market trends, customer needs, and competitor activities to inform buying decisions.
• Source new suppliers and maintain strong, long-term relationships with existing ones.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers to achieve optimal value.
• Plan and manage inventory levels to ensure product availability while minimizing stockouts and excess inventory.
• Analyze sales data, product performance, and market feedback to optimize product assortment and pricing.
• Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising teams to develop effective product launches and promotions.
• Manage the open-to-buy budget and ensure financial targets are met.
• Stay abreast of industry developments, new products, and sourcing opportunities.
• Conduct regular product reviews and assortment planning sessions.
• Travel to trade shows, supplier showrooms, and potential international sourcing locations as required.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior buying staff.

Requirements

• Significant experience in retail buying, merchandising, or a related sourcing role, with a proven track record of success.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze sales data, market trends, and financial reports.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, and relationship management skills.
• Excellent understanding of product lifecycle management and inventory control.
• Proficiency in retail buying software and MS Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Ability to make strategic decisions in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field is preferred.
• Flexibility to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing office-based and remote responsibilities in or near Klerksdorp .
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Passion for product, style, and the retail industry.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including performance-based bonuses. This role provides a significant opportunity for career progression within a leading retail organization. Employees benefit from comprehensive health insurance, generous staff discounts, and opportunities for professional development. You will work in a collaborative and dynamic environment, contributing to the strategic direction of product selection in Klerksdorp .