Category Buyer at Pick n Pay Stores Limited

Job Role

• To compile and execute the category plans in line with the strategy, objectives and category group guidelines on format/margin and assortment strategies.
• To optimize the performance of the assigned categories by having clear category plans in place that are aligned to the strategy, category group guidelines and being customer focused.

Minimum requirements

• Preferably relevant University Degree
• 3-4 years retail experience
• Experience in Category Management (Household & Cleaning)
• Proven and consistent success on financial KPI’s
• SAP knowledge is an added advantage

Competencies

• Sound knowledge of buying fundamentals
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Networking and Relationship Building
• Good Presentation skills
• Excellent Communications skills (Verbal and Written)
• Good Negotiation and Influencing skills
• Advanced computer literacy (Excel & PowerPoint)
• Ability to handle extensive administrative activities related to the category
• Commerical and Financial Acumen including strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data
• Ability to work within a matrix structure, gaining buy in and support across a number of functions

Key responsibilities

Negotiation

• Understands negotiating position, key drivers, and desired outcomes; develops and presents factual, rational, and compelling arguments to build support and gain commitment from other parties; understands when to engage in counter-negotiations to reach win-win outcomes
• Manages disagreements and conflicts by using diplomacy and controlling emotions; anticipates negotiating roadblocks and objections.

Category Strategy

• Develops and recommends business strategies that target category-specific growth
• Evaluates merchandising plans and their business impact; makes recommendations for modifying plans based on findings Identifies and recommends process improvements that target performance, quality, work efficiency / cost reduction.

Category Performance

• Maintains a solid working knowledge of assigned category, industry, and market; uses knowledge of industry practices, business trends, distribution methods, and the competitive environment to develop buying plans.
• Implements and executes tactical buying plans, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as Pick n Pay’s overall business strategy.

Supplier Relations

• Communicates regularly with suppliers to mutually share financial and other performance criteria; uses metrics to identify performance gaps and hold suppliers accountable for achieving financial and other mutually agreed upon goals; develops and implements contingency plans to close performance gaps
• Develops and maintains relationships with suppliers; demonstrates confidence and expertise when interacting with suppliers.

Private Brand Strategy and Development

• Implements and executes Private Brand category strategy, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as PnP’s overall business strategy.

Merchandise Knowledge

• Applies knowledge of Pick n Pay’s merchandise and current promotions, price changes, and sales to enhance daily work
• Develops merchandising solutions to achieve business goals and influence financial performance
• Identifies and applies knowledge of key industry trends and market forces to positively impact merchandising

Closing date: 30 July 2025