Senior Buyer - Homeware Kitchen

SUMMARY:
Future Careers is recruiting a Senior Buyer for a leading South African retailer. This opportunity suits a commercially driven buying professional with strong product instincts, an understanding of customer trends and the ability to deliver profitable seasonal ranges.

POSITION INFO:
Key responsibilities Develop and execute customer-led seasonal product strategies aligned with business objectives and brand positioning. Partner with Design, Sourcing and Planning to build balanced, trend-relevant and profitable ranges across channels. Use customer insights, market research and trend forecasting tools to inform product selection and innovation. Oversee product development, quality, costing and pricing architecture. Analyse trade performance and implement actions to improve sales, margins, sell-through and stock health. Build supplier relationships and support sourcing strategies and merchandise timelines. Collaborate with Marketing, Technical, Visual Merchandising and Sales teams to deliver consistent product execution. Manage, coach and develop junior buying team members and Buying Assistants. Requirements Relevant three-year diploma or degree. Must have proven experience in buying within a Homeware portfolio, specifically the Kitchen category. Experience managing a kitchen and brands portfolio would be advantageous. Proven ability to develop and deliver buying strategies and commercially successful ranges. Strong trend interpretation, product conceptualisation and local and international market knowledge. Sound understanding of buying processes, pricing, mark-ups, markdowns and stock performance. Strong numerical, analytical, negotiation and relationship management skills. People management and coaching experience. Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, with working knowledge of PLM and EDITED; familiarity with WGSN would be beneficial. Willingness to travel locally and internationally.