Retail Buyer Job Description Template

Use this Retail Buyer job description template to advertise the open roles for free using Longlist.io. You can use this template as a starting point, modify the requirements according the needs of your organization or the client you are hiring for.

Job Brief

We are looking for a competent Retail buyer to select and purchase lines of products on behalf of our company. The role is very important since our business activities cannot begin without the necessary stock.

The quality and variety of products on our shelves are essential for our success. Therefore, the ideal candidate must be a responsible individual with great attention to detail. As a retail buyer, you will also need to negotiate with suppliers to secure competitive prices.

The goal is to ensure that the business will always have adequate stock that meets its requirements. That way we can deliver value to our customers through high-quality products and facilitate sustainable growth.

Responsibilities

  • Identify customer preferences and forecast consumer trends
  • Evaluate supplier options according to prices, quality etc. and determine the best choices
  • Discover and purchase new products and check the quality and popularity of those already on our shelves
  • Negotiate terms of agreements to achieve the best deal for our company
  • Ensure the timely delivery of products and compliance with the contracts of purchase
  • Monitor stock levels and make plans for buying within budget
  • Create reports on sales, budgets and customer satisfaction and adjust your strategies accordingly
  • Forge and maintain trust relationships with suppliers to promote fair dealing
  • Attend events, fairs and exhibitions to remain up-to-date with the market’s trends

Requirements

  • Proven experience as a retail buyer or relevant role
  • Outstanding communication abilities
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Demonstrable aptitude in effective negotiating
  • Up to speed with purchasing best practices
  • Familiarity with market research, data analysis and forecasting techniques
  • Excellent knowledge of MS Office; working knowledge of purchasing software (e.g. SpendMap) is an advantage
  • High school diploma; BSc/BA in business administration or relevant field will be considered a plus

What does Retail Buyer do?

A retail buyer is responsible for selecting and purchasing merchandise for a retail store or chain. On a day-to-day basis, their tasks may include:

  1. Researching and identifying trends in the retail industry, including consumer preferences and market conditions.
  2. Analyzing sales data and forecasting demand to determine the merchandise needs.
  3. Developing and maintaining relationships with suppliers and negotiating contracts on pricing, delivery terms, and product quality.
  4. Attending trade shows and market visits to source new products and suppliers.
  5. Reviewing and approving purchase orders and ensuring timely delivery of merchandise.
  6. Monitoring inventory levels and working with the store's inventory management system.
  7. Analyzing product performance and sales data to make informed decisions on replenishment, markdowns, or promotions.
  8. Collaborating with the store's visual merchandising team to ensure effective product placement and displays.
  9. Monitoring competitors' pricing and promotions to stay competitive in the market.
  10. Working with the marketing team on promotional campaigns and seasonal strategies.

Overall, a retail buyer's main responsibility is to ensure that the store has the right merchandise, at the right time, and at the right price, to meet customer demand and maximize sales.