Junior Buyer

Purpose of the Job: The Junior Buyer will assume responsibility for the planning, sourcing, selection and purchasing of specified goods, ensuring effective and profitable planning of goods in the correct quantities, at the right time, place and price. The role aims to improve on the productivity and profitability of the department through the efficient execution of daily tasks, whilst at the same time maintaining good relationships with suppliers and various stakeholders in the business. The Junior Buyer also provides additional support as required to the Buyer and Senior Buyer functions within the team.

Job Objectives:

Range, Product & Pricing Execution

• Execute product range building and line determination
• Provide input to formalise article assortment, stock levels and price points
• Conduct product reviews to assess performance and identify gaps
• Assist with product selection for seasonal and core ranges
• Support onboarding of new products and delisting of underperforming items
• Maintain accurate product master data and categorisation
• Execute pricing activities, including updates, markdowns and promotional pricing
• Monitor competitor pricing and highlight risks/opportunities
• Assist with margin tracking and flag pricing discrepancies

Merchandising, Promotions & In-Store Execution

• Execute merchandising layout determination to support product visibility and sales
• Assist with planogram development and implementation
• Ensure alignment of product placement to range and promotional strategy
• Support planning and execution of promotional and advertising events
• Monitor in-store execution and compliance with merchandising standards
• Track promotional performance and highlight gaps or issues
• Liaise with stores to resolve merchandising and display challenges

Stock Management & Supply Coordination

• Maintain stock levels across stores and distribution centres
• Monitor stock movement, sell-through rates and replenishment needs
• Support forecasting and replenishment planning activities
• Identify and resolve stock shortages, overstock and supply issues
• Follow up on supplier deliveries and resolve delays or discrepancies
• Coordinate with DC and suppliers to ensure product availability
• Support stock takes and investigate stock variances

Administration, Supplier Coordination & Insights

• Administer purchase orders and invoice processes accurately and timeously
• Maintain supplier records, pricing agreements and related documentation
• Provide day-to-day administrative and functional support to Buyer/Senior Buyer
• Support supplier communication, queries and order follow-ups
• Assist in coordinating supplier meetings and product presentations
• Liaise with internal stakeholders (stores, DC, marketing, planning) to resolve issues
• Perform market and competitor research
• Analyse basic sales and product performance data to support decision-making

Qualifications:

• Grade 12 / matric – (essential).
• Diploma in Business, Finance, Logistics, Supply Chain or a related field – (beneficial).

Experience:

• +2 years’ experience in similar capability, in a Pet Shop store environment, with suppliers or manufacturing or in a retail store – (essential).

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 – (essential).
• Exposure to analytics tools - (desired)