Job Description

Retail Buyer

- Stationery Brand Transformation

Location: Johannesburg or willing to relocate

Current Role: Retail Buyer, Category Manager, or Product Developer in a consumer-focused retail environment

Role Purpose

We're looking for a forward-thinking, commercially astute Retail Buyer who is a brand builder. This business has a proud legacy as a commercial stationer and back-to-school provider, but now they are on a mission to reinvent their retail brand and create a stationery (and adjacencies) offering that is fresh, relevant, and profitable. Traditionally known as a commercial stationer and back-to-school provider, they are evolving into a modern retail brand that resonates with today's customers.

If you are passionate about retail and have a sharp eye for trends, this is your chance to create a product range that excites, inspires, and delivers growth and margin, without being limited by "how it's always been done." This is not just a buying role; it's about building a brand through product strategy.

Key Responsibilities

1.

Brand-Aligned Product Strategy

Develop and maintain a stationery assortment that reflects the new retail vision, customer trends and profitability goals. Drive innovation and differentiation in product selection to position the brand as relevant and aspirational. Always consider sustainable product selection and ethical sourcing.
2.

Supplier Engagement & Negotiation

Build strong partnerships with suppliers to secure competitive pricing, favourable trading terms, and marketing support. Engage directly with suppliers or collaborate with existing category managers to leverage synergies.
3.

Commercial Performance

Set and achieve sales, margin, and stock turn targets for the stationery category. Implement pricing strategies and promotional plans to maximize profitability.
4.

Market & Trend Analysis

Monitor competitor activity, global trends, and customer insights to inform buying decisions. Introduce new products and seasonal ranges that excite customers and strengthen brand identity.
5.

Inventory & Supply Chain Coordination

Work with planning teams to ensure optimal stock levels and reduce aged inventory. Manage replenishment cycles and resolve supply chain challenges proactively.
6.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with marketing and merchandising to create compelling campaigns and in-store experiences. Contribute to brand storytelling through product selection and presentation.

Qualifications & Experience

Diploma or degree in Buying, Retail Management, Business, or related field. 3-5 years' experience in retail buying or product development (stationery experience is a plus). Exposure to stationery, lifestyle, or FMCG categories Proven ability to drive range innovation, category growth and margin improvement. Strong negotiation, analytical, and commercial skills. Proficiency in Excel and inventory management systems, BI tools (Power BI, Tableau) and basic understanding of AI-driven trend forecasting. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced retail environment.

Key Competencies

Brand Builder Mindset: Passion for creating a retail brand that customers love. Innovation & Creativity: Ability to think beyond legacy practices and introduce fresh, trend-driven products and supporting ideas. Commercial Acumen: Understands profitability drivers and customer value. Negotiation Expertise: Secures competitive pricing and favourable terms Relationship Management: Builds strong supplier and internal partnerships. Data-Driven Decision Making: Comfortable with analytics, trend interpretation, forecasting, and AI | BI tools. Collaboration: Works seamlessly with marketing and merchandising teams

KPIs

Category Sales Growth: % increase vs. prior year Gross Margin Improvement: Achieve target GP% Stock Turn: Reduce aged inventory and improve turnover New Product Introductions: Number of innovative SKUs added per season Supplier Performance: On-time delivery rate and cost savings Customer Satisfaction: Measured through feedback and brand perception

Motivators

Opportunity to shape a brand and leave a legacy Freedom to innovate without being constrained by legacy practices Career growth in a national retail strategy Working in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment

Personality Traits

Entrepreneurial and proactive Trend-conscious and customer-centric Resilient and adaptable in fast-paced retail environments Strong communicator and influencer
I

deal Candidate Goals

Wants to create a product range that excites customers Seeks a role where innovation and creativity are valued Motivated by impact and transformation, not just transactional buying

Why Join

?

Be part of a brand evolution - your ideas will shape the future of stationery retail Competitive salary and benefits. A collaborative, forward-thinking environment

Apply today, send your CV to diane@light516.co.za

and help build a retail brand that customers love!

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person

Expected Start Date: 2026/02/02