Senior Buyer at Shoprite Group of Companies

Purpose of the Job

• The purpose of the Senior Buyer role is to execute the Wine portfolio buying strategy of the Shoprite Group through the planning, selection and procurement of a range of products within the category that results in the achievement of profitability goals and targets.
• The Senior Buyer directs all aspects of the buying process for the 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 Senior Buyer works collaboratively with suppliers, category, marketing and store operations teams to execute the Wine buying strategy, ensuring a consistent customer experience and aligned execution.

Job Objectives

Product Ranging and Pricing

• Collaborate with category management to develop and execute category strategies.
• Analyse market trends and competitor pricing to determine tactical pricing approaches.
• Forecast sales and build buying plans that achieve margin and sales goals while maintaining price competitiveness.
• Ensure comprehensive category coverage through effective range rationalization aligned to brand strategy.
• Develop merchandise assortments and range plans with negotiated cost prices to maximize gross profit.
• Execute planograms, pricing rules, and promotional strategies.
• Present product and merchandise analysis at assortment and business review meetings.

Sourcing, Negotiations and Inventory Management

• Formulate short- to mid-term sourcing strategies aligned with category objectives.
• Secure stock at optimal times and prices and mitigate supplier risks.
• Negotiate favourable trading terms, promotional spend, exclusives, and return-to-vendor agreements.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure performance and first-to-market opportunities.
• Manage purchase orders, monitor delivery timelines, and resolve discrepancies.
• Lead supplier business reviews and ensure compliance with contracts and service level agreements.

Category Performance and Reporting

• Track and report category performance against KPIs, budgets, and forecasts.
• Generate monthly reports for leadership and review financial indicators.
• Analyse competitive trends to identify growth opportunities.
• Conduct store visits to assess merchandise mix and translate insights into actionable plans.

Relationship Management

• Collaborate with Category Specialists, suppliers, and internal teams to optimize assortment, pricing, and promotions.
• Build strong partnerships with vendors to ensure timely delivery, cooperative marketing, and promotional execution.

Marketing, Promotions and Customer Insights

• Plan and execute promotional events, ensuring accuracy in pricing and marketing materials.
• Work with marketing and space planning teams to maximise in-store visibility.
• Use market intelligence and consumer trend analysis to inform product introductions and promotional strategies.

People Management and Coaching

• Allocate work, set priorities, and monitor team performance.
• Coach and mentor team members and Trainee Buyers to embed sound buying principles and enhance capability.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Business, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field – (essential)
• 4 years’ experience in a buying role, with demonstrable experience directing all aspects of the buying process for a product category in a large retail organisation – (essential).

Experience

• Proven experience with sourcing and supplier management along with complex vendor / supplier negotiations – (essential).
• Solid understanding of supply chain concepts, processes and systems – (essential).
• Comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing a product’s cost and selling prices – (essential).

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of commercial and financial trade-offs in category sales – (essential).
• Understanding of the retail value chain and profitability drivers – (essential).
• Strong proficiency in MS Office 365 with advanced Excel skills – (essential).

Closing Date

• 2025/12/12