Buyer

Minimum Requirements:

• Essential:
  • Grade 12 / Matric with Mathematics and Accounting.
  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Category Buying.
  • Degree or Diploma in Finance, Retail Management, or a similar qualification.
  • Experience with SAP BI and Qlikview.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Job Specification:

• Category Management:
  • Implement strategies to improve the profitability of the category.
  • Analyze consumer buying patterns to predict future trends and select the most profitable product ranges.
  • Manage plans to ensure optimal stock levels at all times.
  • Develop and adhere to a category plan that includes sales, profit, market shares, stock returns, and return on capital employed (ROCE).
• Marketing and Strategy:
  • Formulate detailed marketing plans that align with the overall company strategy.
  • Identify and develop pricing and promotion strategies to meet customer needs while remaining competitive in the market.
• Product Evaluation and Reporting:
  • Evaluate product quality using customer feedback.
  • Report on category plans monthly.
  • Develop a yearly category operating strategy aligned with the Dis-Chem strategic category objectives.
  • Compile reports on product sales, quality, and feedback.
• Supplier Relations:
  • Maintain relationships with existing suppliers and source new suppliers for future products.
  • Negotiate prices and delivery contracts with suppliers.
  • Review supplier contracts to ensure validity, compliance with industry standards, and good practice.

Competencies:

• Essential:
  • Knowledge of industry standards, relevant product laws and regulations, retail, and buying.
  • Understanding of market trends, competitor analysis, supplier negotiations, trading terms, and financial planning.
  • Brand understanding.
  • Strong analytical problem-solving skills.
  • Negotiation and persuasion skills.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Understanding of the financial implications associated with the role.
  • Ability to achieve budget inventory levels.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Effective time management.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• South African citizen.
• MIE, clear criminal, and credit records.
• Valid driver’s license and/or own reliable transport.

Remuneration and Benefits:

• Market-related salary.
• Medical aid.
• Provident fund.
• Staff account.

If you have a strong background in category buying, excellent analytical and negotiation skills, and are driven by achieving strategic goals, we encourage you to apply for this role.