JOB TITLE                       :    Junior Buyer

Department                    :    Ares Holdings, Brands

Reporting to                   :    Buying Assistant

Direct reports                :    TBC

Key customers              :    Suppliers, Marketing team, Retailers

Main purpose    :   This position watches consumer patterns, such as seasonal purchasing and presents their findings to the planning and management teams. Additionally, the Junior Buyer offers insight on ways to alter merchandise assortments to increase revenue and minimise loss. This is done by analysing sales data (macro & micro consumer trends and spending), frequent reporting cadence, planning tools management and highlighting inventory areas which need addressing

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 1:  ANALYST

• Monitor sales data, by price, category, trend, geography, consumer, etc., post season, in season and pre-season
• Identify and understand purchasing trends and make recommendations, for example “X% of consumers in Sandton are shopping for kids, making up X% of total business. Propose to increase Kids mix and inventory to X level”
• Monitoring the timing and scope of seasonal changes.
• Make recommendations and assist with merchandising.
• Develop supply strategies that will minimize stock outs while maximising inventory turns.
• Develop and continuously evaluate all reports from purchase orders to sales history, seasonal sales analysis, aged inventory & liquidation plans.
• Communicating with Stores where necessary.
• Monitoring in season trade and react accordingly.
• Set up seasonal line lists per store.
• Analyse Market Place sales and assist in ensuring the right product is available at the right time.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 2: INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

• Understand and maintain desired inventory levels, inventory turns, OTB and assortments.
• Ensure plans are in place to meet consumer trends, marketing launches, promotional activation, etc.
• Oversee shipping, receiving and warehousing of merchandise.
• Develop and maintain an integrated planning process that deals with customer demand, upselling opportunities in high demand end uses, EOL & stock to management in accordance with budgeted guidance (OTB), to consume against future seasons.
• Develop and maintain inventory reporting (achievement to target, margins, inventory health, shipping schedule vs SAP, etc.).
• Placing Purchase Orders (pre & in season).
• Order Tracking and reporting.
• GTM, SKU, Pricing and Order form setup.
• Develop and maintain an accurate ATS (Available to Sell) to be refreshed and published on a frequent cadence.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 3: REPORTING

• Shipping schedule
• Inbound Containers
• Location Reviews
• Inventory Tracker Tool
• Retail Top Seller
• Weekly Sales
• Return Managements
• ATS
• Any reporting pack agreed to with management or to fulfil your role’s responsibilities

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 4: COMPANY VALUES

• Act Sustainably
• Celebrate the Wins
• Stand for equality
• Love athletes
• Fight on together

      COMPETENCY PROFILE

(Skills, knowledge, abilities, attributes and behaviours that are required to do this specific job well)

     KEY LEADERSHIP & INTERPERSONAL COMPETENCIES

(Behaviours that enhance the desired culture, values and the pursuit of the core purpose of the business)

• VALUES:

• We believe in the power of brands and growing brands responsibly
• We believe in developing and building our teams for the benefit of all stakeholders
• We believe in continuous investment into our people and our business platforms
• We care deeply about our environment and our people

• LEADERSHIP & RELATIONSHIP BEHAVIOURS

• Collaboration: Works effectively with cross-functional teams (e.g., sales, marketing, and supply chain) to ensure alignment and smooth product selection and procurement.
• Communication: Clear, concise, and timely communication with suppliers, vendors, and internal stakeholders regarding product availability, pricing, and delivery timelines.
• Customer-Focused: Understands and anticipates customer preferences and demands to select the right products for the market.
• Negotiation Skills: Able to negotiate with suppliers to secure favourable terms, pricing, and delivery conditions while maintaining professional relationships.
• Adaptability: Flexibility in responding to market trends, supplier issues, and changing company priorities.
• Detail-Oriented: Maintains strong attention to detail when managing product specifications, pricing, and contracts.
• Decision-Making: Makes informed decisions based on data, analysis, and collaboration with relevant teams.
• Accountability: Takes responsibility for buying decisions, order accuracy, and meeting targets.
• Relationship Management: Builds and maintains strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams to ensure effective product sourcing and problem resolution.
• Proactiveness: Identifies opportunities for improving product assortment, cost savings, and supplier performance before challenges arise.
• Team Support: Provides support to senior buyers and team members, contributing to team success and sharing insights and feedback.
• Professionalism: Displays professionalism in all dealings with suppliers, internal departments, and customers.

        TECHNICAL AND FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

(Specific technical, functional and professional skills, knowledge, abilities, attributes and aptitudes that are required to be able to do this job well relative to the delivery of the Main Purpose and Key Accountabilities)

• Product Knowledge: Understanding of the product range, market trends, and customer preferences to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Ability to communicate, negotiate, and maintain effective relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Inventory Management: Knowledge of inventory control, stock levels, replenishment, and ensuring the right products are available at the right time.
• Procurement Process: Understanding of the end-to-end procurement process, from sourcing and placing orders to delivery and quality checks.
• Pricing & Costing: Ability to evaluate pricing strategies, negotiate costs, and manage budgets effectively.
• Market Analysis: Ability to analyse market trends, competitor offerings, and customer demand to make purchasing decisions.
• Contract Management: Knowledge of managing purchase agreements, contracts, and compliance with company policies.
• Sales Collaboration: Working with sales and marketing teams to align purchasing decisions with promotional activities and product launches.
• Technical Competencies:
• Data Analysis: Ability to interpret sales data, supplier performance, inventory levels, and other metrics to make informed decisions.
• ERP & Procurement Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and other purchasing or inventory management systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Excel & Reporting Tools: Proficiency in Excel (e.g., VLOOKUP, PivotTables) for data analysis and report creation.
• Demand Forecasting: Ability to analyse historical sales data and forecast demand to optimize purchasing and reduce stockouts.
• Order Management: Skills in placing, tracking, and managing orders accurately and on time to meet business needs.
• Quality Control: Knowledge of ensuring product quality and standards is met, including understanding quality assurance processes.
• Vendor Performance Tracking: Ability to track and evaluate supplier performance based on delivery times, quality, and cost.
  

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Commerce (BCom), Retail Management, Merchandise Management, Supply Chain, Buying or a related field

Experience 

• 1 – 2 years’ experience in a Junior Buyer, Buying Assistant, Merchandise Analyst or similar support role within a retail or consumer brand environment
• Exposure to sales analysis, inventory reporting or buying administration
• Store or retail operations experience will be advantageous
• Exposure to working with suppliers, stock, orders or range data

Industry Knowledge 

• Foundational understanding of retail buying principles, including product lifecycles, stock flow and seasonal trading
• Interest or exposure to lifestyle and footwear brands, consumer trends and retail market dynamics
• Working understanding of supply chain processes, including ordering, deliveries and inventory flow
• Strong numerical ability with comfort in analysing sales, stock and inventory data
• Proficiency in Excel for data analysis, reporting and administration
• Basic understanding of ERP or inventory management systems
• Strong administration and organisational capability with high attention to detail
• Ability to prioritise multiple tasks in a fast‑paced retail environment
• Good problem‑solving ability with a willingness to learn and develop buying skills
• Reliable, punctual and flexible, with a willingness to travel locally when required