Senior Retail Buyer - Sandton Region

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Performance bonus

Hybrid work

Professional development

Career advancement

Sandton region

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Retail Buyer to lead strategic buying, optimize product categories, and manage supplier relationships across the Sandton area. This hybrid role combines in-office strategic planning with remote analysis and supplier communication to drive stock, profitability, and assortment strategy for a leading retail brand.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of retail buying experience, strong negotiation and analytical skills, and a track record of managing vendor

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in retail buying.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain or related field.
• Experience in developing assortment plans and managing supplier relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic buying plans for specific product categories to meet sales and margin targets.
• Identify and source new products and suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and pricing.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences to inform buying decisions.
• Manage the product lifecycle from selection to inventory management and end-of-life strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations to align buying strategies with business objectives.
• Monitor inventory levels and sales performance to optimize stock turnover.
• Prepare detailed reports on buying performance, category analysis, and market insights.
• Conduct regular product reviews and assortment planning sessions.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and ethical standards.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Strategic thinking

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or Supply Chain

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Buying software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading retail entity, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Retail Buyer to join their team, operating across the prestigious Sandton region and surrounding areas. This pivotal hybrid role requires a seasoned professional to lead the buying process, drive product assortment strategy, and manage supplier relationships to ensure optimal stock levels and profitability. You will leverage market insights, trend analysis, and performance data to curate a compelling product offering that resonates with our target customers. The position demands a strong understanding of the retail landscape, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to manage complex buying cycles, with a blend of in-office strategic planning and potential remote analysis or supplier communication. This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior buyer to make a significant impact on product strategy within a dynamic retail environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic buying plans for specific product categories to meet sales and margin targets.


• Identify and source new products and suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and pricing.


• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences to inform buying decisions.


• Manage the entire product lifecycle, from initial selection and ordering to inventory management and end-of-life strategies.


• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with suppliers and vendors.


• Collaborate closely with marketing, sales, and operations teams to align buying strategies with overall business objectives.


• Monitor inventory levels and sales performance, adjusting buying plans as needed to optimize stock turnover and minimize markdowns.


• Prepare detailed reports on buying performance, category analysis, and market insights.


• Conduct regular product reviews and assortment planning sessions.


• Ensure compliance with all company policies, ethical standards, and contractual obligations.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in retail buying, with a proven track record in a senior buying role.


• Demonstrated expertise in product assortment planning, negotiation, and vendor management.


• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data, market trends, and financial reports.


• Excellent understanding of the retail industry and consumer behavior.


• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.


• Proficiency in buying software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.


• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.


• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, managing tasks both remotely and in person as needed within the Sandton area.


• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving capabilities.


• Must be authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and significant bonus potential based on performance.


• This hybrid role provides flexibility and the opportunity for strategic leadership in product acquisition.


• Employees benefit from extensive professional development, career advancement opportunities, and a stimulating work environment in the vibrant Sandton region.


• Join a forward-thinking organization that values expertise and innovation in retail buying.


• This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the product offering of a leading retail brand.