Senior Buyer (Personal Care/Beauty) at takealot.com

Key responsibilities:

• Develop a comprehensive personal care strategy/plan to drive growth across the department in sales, brands, suppliers and new product listings.
• Drive innovation by sourcing and prioritizing new brands and suppliers according to this growth plan and in line with market trends and consumer demand. 
• Deliver against key financial and service level performance indicators within the department (sales, margin, listings availability, stock cover etc.).
• Manage and develop supplier relationships, negotiate good prices, improve trading terms and manage suppliers according to strict SLAs.
• Develop a promotional programme, source great deals and manage site merchandising for the department.
• Support the operations team in delivering a world-class customer experience – monitor department returns, support the customer service team on product queries and help resolve any customer complaints.
• Manage stock and availability (including replenishment orders, stock cover).
• Deliver on customer experience within the department (ensuring products are delivered on time, supplier terms are aligned, product quality is managed etc.

Attributes required:

• Solutions-oriented, can-do attitude; self-motivated.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking, ability to use data to inform decisions, identify the root cause and resolve problem.
• Strong product and buying planning skills.
• Ability to manage priorities according to clear prioritization and structured planning.
• Ability to build lasting supplier relationships and manage according to SLAs (existing industry networks a plus).
• Comfortable with change and excellent team player.
• Passionate about the beauty and personal care industry and the potential of e-commerce.
• Understanding of the key business drivers within online retail.
• Entrepreneurial/commercial mindset.

Qualifications and experience:

• 5 years related retail buying / commerce / e-commerce experience.
• National Diploma / Bachelor’s Degree (Business Science or Commerce degree preferable).
• If the Degree / Diploma qualification requirement isn’t met, at least 8 years related retail / commerce / e-commerce experience will be required.
• Strong commercial acumen.
• Existing industry networks a significant plus.