Buyer

Job Overview

As a Buyer at Pepkor Lifestyle, you will play a vital role in driving the growth of the Merchandise Division, specifically within the Wearables, Networking, and Storage category across multiple brands. Your core responsibility is to establish well-balanced range assortments that align with the overall division strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilize internal and external trend data to confidently create and present quarterly product statistics, conduct range reviews, and post-seasonal analyses to retail leadership, supported by sales, customer insights, and trends.
• Oversee the entire product lifecycle from initial design and briefing through development to launch on the site.
• Formulate exit plans for discontinued products or ranges while safeguarding overall margin performance.
• Develop and sustain strong supplier partnerships, negotiating favorable pricing, value offers, and exclusive stock consistent with company objectives.
• Leverage supply sources to create products reflecting global trends, ensuring the production of world-class, locally relevant furniture and accessories as per department goals.
• Guarantee adherence to critical path timelines, proactively identifying and communicating any potential stock or delivery issues.
• Prepare weekly trade feedback reports by thorough analysis and interpretation of data, focusing on optimizing in-season range performance and minimizing markdowns.
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure product quality meets division standards.
• Support Marketing and Operations teams in delivering an exceptional customer experience regarding product availability and service.
• Lead, manage, and mentor Planners in your team to foster a cohesive, performance-oriented, and growth-focused environment.
• Continuously innovate and improve in all aspects of your role to maximize operational efficiency.

Qualifications and Experience

• Completed Matric (Grade 12).
• Relevant Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain, Marketing, BSc, or BComm.
• 5 to 8 years of retail experience, preferably within Electronics, Furniture, or related industries.
• Proven track record in buying with demonstrated results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, or Google Suite.
• Strong knowledge of retail mathematics.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and logically interpret data effectively.

Desired Attributes

• Analytical mindset
• Decisive decision-making skills
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement
• Big-picture thinking
• Proactive approach
• Customer-centric with a strong focus on experience
• Accountability and ownership
• Collaborative spirit working with internal and external stakeholders
• Trustworthy, approachable, and open-minded personality
• Aptitude for simplifying complex processes and solving challenges
• Keen global and local market trend monitoring to ensure first-to-market initiatives
• Action-oriented
• Self-management skills
• Capability to track stock, sales, margins, and assortments to meet KPIs