Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer – Beauty / Fashion / Home (Retail)Location: South Africa, Willing to travel overseasAbout the RoleWe are seeking a commercially driven and strategic Senior Buyer to lead category growth, maximize profitability, and strengthen vendor partnerships within a dynamic retail environment. This role is responsible for end-to-end category management, buying strategy, merchandise planning, vendor negotiation, and team leadership.The ideal candidate combines strong analytical capabilities with market insight, trend awareness, and negotiation expertise to deliver sustained category growth.Key ResponsibilitiesBuying Strategy & Budget PlanningDevelop and execute category strategies aligned with overall business and merchandise plansPlan and manage buying budgets to drive sales and gross margin growthIdentify category growth opportunities and build long-term growth pillarsEnsure timely procurement to achieve sales and profit targetsImplement cost reduction strategies through centralized bulk buying and optimized vendor mixCategory & Brand ManagementDrive sales and margin performance across assigned categories/brandsOversee pricing, promotion, assortment, and allocation strategiesMonitor and review performance using structured scorecards and KPIsEnsure strong cross-functional collaboration across planning, operations, e-commerce, and financeMaintain and grow relationships with key strategic vendorsVendor ManagementDevelop and expand vendor base through active scouting and negotiationNegotiate commercial terms to maximize profitability and cash flowEvaluate vendor capabilities through market visits, trade shows, and product demonstrationsContinuously renegotiate to maintain competitive advantageOrder & Supply Chain ManagementCollaborate with Planning team on demand forecasting and order placementEnsure merchandise delivery as per agreed service level agreementsTrack logistics from supplier to distribution centerManage reverse logistics for faulty/damaged goodsMerchandise Planning & AnalyticsSupervise merchandise analytics and sourcing triggersAlign buying decisions with sales forecasts, inventory checks, and seasonal eventsConduct territory visits across GCC marketsPerform in-season management to protect margin and maximize sell-throughQuality ControlDefine and oversee quality control standards and processesEnsure all procured merchandise meets defined quality benchmarksPeople LeadershipLead, coach, and develop Buyers, Assistant Buyers, Designers, and CoordinatorsDrive performance management and succession planningBuild a collaborative, high-performance cultureEnhance team productivity through structured coaching and trainingKey InteractionsRetail OperationsPlanningE-commerceFinanceWhat Will Make You SuccessfulStrong commercial acumen with P&L ownership experienceDeep understanding of retail buying, merchandising, and margin managementProven vendor negotiation and supplier development expertiseStrong analytical skills with ability to interpret sales data and market trendsExperience managing cross-functional stakeholdersLeadership experience managing buying teamsWhy Join Us?Join a fast-growing, omnichannel retail environment where you will have the opportunity to shape category strategy, build high-impact vendor partnerships, and lead a high-performing team.We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that celebrates differences, fosters equity, and promotes belonging.