Junior Category Buyer at Pick n Pay Stores Limited

• To compile and execute the category plans in line with the strategy, objectives and category group guidelines on format/margin and assortment strategies. Optimize the performance (i.e. sales and cash margins) of the categories by being customer focused.

Minimum Requirements

• Preferably relevant university Degree
• 1-2 years retail experience, preferably within store operations or prior category buying experience combined with category knowledge, as well as in store execution
• Buying and Category Management experience will be advantageous
• Strong Financial Background
• SAP knowledge is an added advantage
• Strong Excel and reporting capabilities

Competencies

• Knowledge of buying fundamentals and product costings
• Knowledge of Range and Assortment and impact on category performance
• Understanding margins and profitability
• The role of marketing and ability to manage buying admin
• Ability to understand building of recipes and factoring in various relatable costs, from raw material to packaging
• Ability to understand and analyse complex detailed information to identify the source of the issues and recommend solutions to enhance the category performance
• Commerical and Financial Acumen
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Networking and Relationship Building
• Excellent Communications skills (Verbal and Written)
• Good Negotiation and Influencing skills
• Good Presentation skills

​​​​​​​Key Responsibilities

• Understand negotiating position, key drivers, and desired outcomes; develop and present factual, rational, and compelling arguments to build support and gain commitment from other parties; understand when to engage in counter-negotiations to reach win-win outcomes.
• Anticipate negotiating roadblocks and objections, ensuring any contractual agreements entered into are structured according to the regulatory controls in place.
• Develop and recommend business strategies that target category-specific growth.
• Evaluate merchandising plans and their business impact; make recommendations for modifying plans based on findings.
• Identify and recommend process improvements that target performance, quality, work efficiency / cost reduction.
• Maintain a solid working knowledge of assigned category, industry, and market; use knowledge of industry practices, business trends, distribution methods, and the competitive environment to develop buying plans.
• Implement and execute tactical buying plans, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as Pick n Pay’s overall business strategy.
• Integrate with Store Operations and Store teams to drive the implementation of the category plan.
• Communicate regularly with suppliers to mutually share financial and other performance criteria; use metrics to identify performance gaps and hold suppliers accountable for achieving financial and other mutually agreed upon goals; develop and implement contingency plans to close performance gaps.
• Demonstrate confidence and expertise when interacting with suppliers whilst reinforcing the importance of Pick n Pay’s values, buying strategies and corporate initiatives.
• Implement and execute Private Brand category strategy, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as PnP’s overall business strategy.
• Develop and implement action plans to enable the attainment of financial goals, leveraging knowledge of factors and trends that are likely to impact financial performance of the category.

Closing date: 22 September 2025