Buyer at Shoprite Group of Companies

Purpose of the Job    

• The purpose of the Buyer role is to execute the buying strategy of the Shoprite Group through the planning, selection and procurement of a range of products within a category that results in the achievement of profitability goals and targets. The Buyer executes all aspects of the buying process for a product category, creating a compelling assortment that meets financial targets and supports brand objectives.
• The role further ensures sales growth and increase in gross margins by considering market trends and customer demand in terms of price, quality and availability when making purchasing decisions.
• The Buyer works collaboratively with suppliers, category, marketing and store operations teams to execute the buying strategy, ensuring a consistent customer experience and aligned execution of pricing, promotions, ranging, display and layout.

Job Objectives    

• Product range and line determination
• Ensure first place in the market by maintaining price competitiveness
• Ensure a comprehensive coverage of categories through effective range rationalisation, aligned to strategy and brand logic.
• Maintain effective administration (across all areas)
• Product pricing administration
• Maintain competitiveness in cost and selling prices
• Base price objectives on knowledge of market prices, current trends and/or market leaders
• Effectively utilise negotiation to achieve pricing objectives
• Ensure confidentiality is maintained regarding sensitive information
• Advertising and promotions management
• Selection of lines and management of price points
• Continuously track competitor pricing
• Ensure availability of stock at suppliers
• Timeously supply information to Marketing
• Resolve stock level issues in stores and distribution centres
• Remain up to date with price movements and shortages in order to proactively advise the distribution centres
• International sourcing
• Identify potential gaps and international trends in order to source profitable products
• Manage the end-to-end supply chain process
• Determine merchandising layout that is practical and reflective of consumer patterns

Qualifications    

• Degree or Diploma in Business, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field 

Experience    

• +2 years’ experience in a buying role, with demonstrable experience executing all aspects of the buying process for a private label and imports products category in a large retail organisation
• Demonstrable experience with sourcing and supplier management along with complex vendor / supplier negotiations 

Knowledge and Skills    

• Well-developed understanding of supply chain concepts, processes and systems
• Comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing a product’s cost and selling prices 
• Knowledge of commercial and financial trade-offs in category sales
• Understanding of the retail value chain and profitability drivers
• Proficiency in MS Office 365 with advanced Excel skills

Closing Date    

• 2025/11/11