Buyer

About the role

A fast-growing online retail business in Cape Town is seeking a Buyer to help ensure the right assortment is available to customers at the right time. The role focuses on choosing and purchasing products that support demand, strengthen profitability, and improve overall department performance. This position reports to the Divisional Buying Manager.

What you will do

• Create and execute a clear growth plan for the department across sales, brands, suppliers, and new listings.
• Identify and bring in promising brands and suppliers based on market movements and customer demand.
• Track and improve key performance measures such as sales, margin, listing availability, and stock cover.
• Build strong supplier partnerships, negotiate favourable pricing, and ensure trading terms and service levels are met.
• Design promotional activity, secure attractive deals, and manage department merchandising on the website.
• Work closely with operations and customer service teams to support a strong customer experience.
• Monitor returns, handle product-related customer queries, and help resolve complaints.
• Oversee stock planning and availability, including replenishment orders and stock cover.
• Ensure products arrive on time, quality standards are maintained, and supplier terms support customer satisfaction.

What the employer is looking for

The ideal candidate is commercially minded, analytical, highly organised, and comfortable operating in a dynamic, fast-moving environment. You should be able to use data to guide decisions, prioritise effectively, and work well with others while staying focused on delivery.

Qualifications and experience

• A diploma or bachelor’s degree is required; a qualification in Business Science or Commerce is preferred.
• You should have 3 to 5 years of experience in retail, commerce, or e-commerce buying-related work.

Core competencies

• Proven ability to build long-term supplier relationships and manage partners against SLAs.
• Strong command of Excel.
• Solution-focused mindset with a proactive, self-driven approach.
• Strong analytical thinking and the ability to identify root causes and solve problems using data.
• Sound buying and product planning skills.
• Good prioritisation and structured planning abilities.
• Comfort with change and a collaborative attitude.
• Genuine interest in the industry and the potential of e-commerce.
• Understanding of the main commercial drivers in online retail.
• Entrepreneurial outlook with strong business awareness.

Work culture

The team values ownership, execution, teamwork, direct feedback, and new ideas. It is a high-output environment with little ego, where people are expected to be smart, customer-focused, hardworking, and adaptable. The organisation aims to build the leading e-commerce business in Africa.

Package and employer value proposition

The company offers a market-related total remuneration package with flexibility to suit individual needs, along with a vibrant work environment and challenging work that keeps the role engaging.

Employment equity

This employer is an equal opportunity organisation and welcomes applications from previously disadvantaged groups and people with disabilities.