A permanent opportunity has opened for a Trainee Buyer in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is designed for ambitious graduates who want to grow their careers in retail buying, with a focus on food services. The position closes on 5 October 2025 under the reference number SHO250922-2.
Purpose of the role
The Trainee Buyer will be responsible for the planning, sourcing, selection, and purchasing of goods. The role ensures the right products reach the right place, at the right time and price. By managing stock, building supplier relationships, and supporting senior buyers, the position plays a vital role in improving departmental productivity and profitability.
Key responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Develop product ranges and determine line selections.
- Contribute to pricing strategies and article range formalisation.
- Review products and support merchandising layouts.
- Plan and execute promotional and advertising activities.
- Maintain stock levels, resolving any store or distribution issues promptly.
- Handle invoice and purchase order administration.
- Provide support across buyer-related activities.
- Conduct competitor and market research to strengthen product offerings.
Qualifications and experience
Applicants should hold a Degree or Diploma in Business, Finance, Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related field. Retail experience, whether in-store, supplier-facing, or within a manufacturing environment, will be considered advantageous.
Skills and knowledge
The role requires:
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365.
- Exposure to analytics tools (beneficial).
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
Retail buying is at the heart of delivering value to customers. This Trainee Buyer position offers a chance to build expertise in range development, supplier negotiations, and promotional planning. With mentorship from senior team members, the successful candidate will gain valuable insights into the retail industry.
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