Senior Buyer

takealot.com , South Africa's leading online retailer, is looking for a highly talented Senior Buyer (Toys) to join our Retail Team in Cape Town.

The successful incumbet will be responsible to take a leadership role in the procurement and purchasing process within Takealot, managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and making strategic decisions to ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply chain while also mentoring and providing guidance to junior buyers within the procurement team.

This position reports to the Divisional Buying Manager

Your responsibilities will include

• Develop a comprehensive Toys strategy/plan to drive growth across the department in sales, brands, suppliers and new product listings
• Plan to develop and 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 resolving 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.)

Qualification & Experience

• 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.

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 Home industry and the potential of e-commerce.
• Understanding of the key business drivers within online retail.
• Entrepreneurial/commercial mindset.

The Environment

• We laugh hard, work harder, and take full ownership of our wins (and learning moments!)
• Teamwork makes the dream work – we're solution-seekers who thrive on collaboration
• Got feedback? Bring it on! We're always hungry for fresh ideas and honest input 🔄
• Ego? We checked that at the door. Results? Now we're talking!

• Like what you see?
• If you meet the above you are an Extraordinary Mind so come and join us!
• Takealot Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from the previously disadvantaged groups and people with disabilities, to apply .