Senior Buyer (Toys)

The Takealot Group, a dominant force in South Africa's online retail landscape, is seeking a seasoned and strategic Senior Buyer to spearhead its expansive Toys category. This pivotal role, based at their Cape Town headquarters, offers an exciting opportunity for a procurement professional to significantly influence the growth and success of one of the nation's most beloved online marketplaces. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of the Toys department, driving innovation, and ensuring a seamless supply chain that delights customers.

About the Role

As the Senior Buyer for Toys, you will be at the forefront of procurement strategy, taking ownership of the entire buying lifecycle for this vibrant and dynamic category. This leadership position demands a forward-thinking approach, focusing on developing and executing a comprehensive plan to elevate sales, expand brand offerings, cultivate strong supplier partnerships, and introduce compelling new product listings. Your strategic vision will be crucial in navigating market trends and consumer demand, ensuring Takealot remains at the cutting edge of the toy retail sector. Beyond strategic planning, you will also play a vital role in nurturing talent, offering guidance and mentorship to junior members of the procurement team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous development.

Your responsibilities will encompass a broad spectrum of activities essential to the prosperity of the Toys department. You will be tasked with:

• **Strategic Planning and Growth:** Developing and implementing a robust strategy aimed at driving significant growth across the Toys department. This includes identifying opportunities to increase sales, diversify brand portfolios, onboard new suppliers, and expand the range of products available to customers.
• **Supplier Relationship Management:** Cultivating and managing strong, long-term relationships with toy suppliers. This involves negotiating favourable pricing, optimising trading terms, and ensuring adherence to stringent service level agreements (SLAs) to maintain a high-performing supplier base.
• **Product Sourcing and Innovation:** Actively sourcing and prioritising new brands and suppliers, aligning these efforts with the overarching growth strategy and emerging market trends. Your ability to identify and introduce innovative products will be key to keeping the offering fresh and appealing.
• **Performance Management:** Consistently delivering against critical financial and service level performance indicators, including sales targets, profit margins, product availability, and optimal stock cover.
• **Promotional Strategy and Merchandising:** Designing and executing effective promotional programmes, securing attractive deals, and managing the on-site merchandising of the Toys department to maximise visibility and drive sales.
• **Customer Experience Enhancement:** Collaborating closely with operations and customer service teams to ensure a world-class customer experience. This includes monitoring product returns, providing expert product knowledge to support queries, and actively resolving customer complaints to maintain satisfaction.
• **Stock and Availability Management:** Overseeing stock levels and ensuring optimal product availability through diligent replenishment planning and stock cover management.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this role, candidates will need a strong foundation in retail buying, coupled with a deep understanding of the e-commerce environment. The ideal applicant will possess:

• A minimum of five years of relevant experience in retail buying, commerce, or e-commerce, with a specific focus on the Toys category.
• A National Diploma or a Bachelor's Degree in Business Science or Commerce is preferred. However, individuals with at least eight years of extensive retail, commerce, or e-commerce experience may be considered if they do not meet the formal qualification requirement.
• Exceptional commercial acumen, demonstrating a keen understanding of market dynamics, financial principles, and strategic decision-making.
• Proven experience in managing supplier relationships and negotiating contracts effectively.
• A strong understanding of inventory management and supply chain principles.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• An existing network within the toy industry would be considered a significant advantage.

This role at Takealot presents a fantastic opportunity for a dedicated buyer to make a tangible impact within a leading South African e-commerce business. Typical senior buyer roles in the South African retail sector can command competitive salaries, often reflecting the level of responsibility and the candidate's experience. Employers like Takealot often provide pathways for career advancement within their diverse retail operations.

• 5 years related retail buying / commerce / e-commerce experience
• Experience in buying for Toys category
• 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