Senior Retail Buyer - WhatJobs Direct

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Career growth

Employee discounts

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in Sandton, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Retail Buyer to lead market-driven product sourcing, negotiate with suppliers, and curate a profitable merchandise assortment. This hybrid role blends remote analysis and in-person market research with cross-functional team collaboration.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years in retail buying or category management, excellent negotiation and analytical skills, and a track record of strong supplier relationships.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in retail buying, merchandising, or category management.
• Proven track record in product sourcing, negotiation, and assortment planning.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret sales data and financial reports.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify emerging market trends and opportunities for new product lines.
• Source, evaluate, and select vendors based on quality, price and reliability.
• Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Develop and manage product assortment to meet sales and margin targets.
• Analyze sales data and market intelligence to inform buying decisions.
• Collaborate with marketing and merchandising teams for cohesive launches.
• Manage inventory levels balancing stock and turnover.
• Attend trade shows and market visits to stay informed.
• Maintain relationships with key suppliers and monitor performance.
• Perform remote admin tasks, including order processing and reporting.

Skills

Retail buying

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Category management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing or related field

Tools

Inventory management software

Buying software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is actively seeking a highly experienced Senior Retail Buyer to join their strategic team based in Sandton, Gauteng. This pivotal role involves identifying market trends, sourcing high-quality products, negotiating with suppliers, and developing a merchandise assortment that drives sales and brand appeal. You will be responsible for managing a specific product category, ensuring profitability and competitiveness. This hybrid role requires a blend of strategic planning and supplier engagement conducted remotely, alongside in-person market research, trend analysis, and team collaboration. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the retail market, exceptional negotiation skills, and a proven track record in buying and product development. Your expertise will be instrumental in shaping the product offering and contributing to the overall commercial success of the business. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a passion for retail and a keen eye for commercial opportunities. Your ability to make data-driven decisions will be crucial.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify emerging market trends and opportunities for new product lines.
• Source, evaluate, and select vendors and suppliers based on quality, price, and reliability.
• Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Develop and manage the product assortment for a designated category to meet sales and margin targets.
• Analyze sales data, customer feedback, and market intelligence to inform buying decisions.
• Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising teams to ensure cohesive product launches and promotions.
• Manage inventory levels for the assigned category, balancing stock availability with turnover efficiency.
• Attend trade shows, industry events, and conduct market visits to stay informed about product and market developments.
• Maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and manage performance.
• Perform remote administrative tasks, such as order processing, budget management, and reporting.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in retail buying, merchandising, or category management.
• Proven track record of successful product sourcing, negotiation, and assortment planning.
• In-depth knowledge of retail market trends and consumer behavior.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and financial reports.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in buying and inventory management software.
• Ability to work independently and manage a strategic budget effectively.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field is preferred.
• Must be based in or able to commute to Sandton, Gauteng for hybrid responsibilities.
• Strategic thinking and a proactive approach to identifying business opportunities.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure based on performance.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.
• Exposure to strategic decision-making within the retail sector.
• Generous employee discounts on merchandise.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunity to shape the product offering of a well-known retail brand.