RETAIL BUYER – DURBAN – KWAZULU NATAL Full Time

The Buyer will report and operate under the direction of the Head Buyer with the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Researching, sourcing, and developing products, ensuring the best range offering for our market.
• Understanding the target market and analysing trends to make informed buying decisions.
• Building relationships with suppliers and negotiating with them for the best prices, quantities, and delivery timescales.
• Competitive shopping and market analysis.
• Understanding of retail pricing ladders and cost implications.
• Monitoring the stock quality and escalating discrepancies to suppliers and management.
• Running and analysing reports on regular basis.
• Communicating and coordinating with the planning team and suppliers.
• Assisting the Buying Team in planning promotional activities.
• Visit stores regularly and build a trust relationship with the Operators, Operations Manager and Ops Team.
• Travel to meet suppliers, source products and attend trade fairs when required.

The Buyer should possess the following skills, qualities, and qualifications:

• Creative mind set and product flair.
• Good understanding of the target market.
• Commercial awareness.
• Ability to make decisions.
• Analytical skills.
• Manage assistant Buyers.
• Math skills.
• Interpersonal skills, particularly in negotiating.
• Ability to multi-task and to work well in a team.
• Good organisational skills.
• Drive and determination.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to cope under pressure and to adapt to changing situations.
• Capability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter and able to work with minimum supervision;
• Hands-on, team player, passionate, confident, and disciplined.
• Proficiency in using Excel / PowerPoint / Outlook.
• 3-4 years’ experience in a buying role

Minimum Requirements:

• Matric.
• Relevant Diploma or Degree would be an added advantage.
• 3+ years’ experience in a similar role in a Retail / FMCG environment.
• Strong purchasing skills.
• Valid driver’s licence and own reliable vehicle.