Buyer

Roles and responsibilities

Buying Budget and Planning

• Determine buying requirements and formulate buying plan and budget for the assigned department/category

• Align the buying plan to the overall department/category business plan and the merchandize strategy as laid down by the department/ category manager

• Help meet the profit targets by ensuring timely procurement of the department/category Merchandise

• Pursue cost reduction measures through centralized bulk buying and/ or selecting appropriate vendor mix, scanning the environment for benchmarks and constantly improving the purchase process

Category Merchandise Planning

• Drive customer focused merchandise plans (pricing, promotion, assortment etc.) for the department to achieve sales and market share growth, and freeze associated plan with Merchandise Planning department

• Study trends from historical data around product category sales and market research to assist in the overall planning process

• Ensure adherence to financial plan in all key areas - sales, markdowns, margin & average inventory

Category Design and Quality

• Ensure optimum utilization of customer and market research information to guide department decisions on the introduction of new products, product assortment, shelf layout, promotion and pricing of products in the store

• Work with Quality to ensure that the merchandise procured and received meets the quality standards set by Home Centre

Vendor Management

• Develop an adequate vendor base for the concept through active scouting and negotiation / renegotiation

• Build and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers and negotiate the best deals with them for procuring merchandise

• Maintain contact with vendors; update list of vendors for bidding purposes; attend product demonstrations, obtain samples and literature regarding potential products and vendor capabilities and confer with end users

• Identify, evaluate and select appropriate vendor mix to achieve business objectives

Order Management

• Place orders based on the buying plan and ensure merchandise is delivered as per the plan based on the agreed service level agreement

• Implement financial and credit services agreement with the vendor that maximize profit and positively contribute to cash flow

• Track the merchandise transportation from supplier to Home Centre distribution centre and ensure smooth flow of goods

• Follow the reverse logistics guidelines to send the faulty / damaged goods back to the vendor

Vendor and Product Research

• Identify and leverage alternate buying opportunities to source products and to ensure that company maintains its competitive edge by constant renegotiation

• Ensure effective communication, collation and follow-up on various product requirements and findings obtained from the sales/store data

• Keep abreast of the latest trends in buying and discuss the same with the department/category Manager from time to time to assess realignment of existing processes

• Map competition prices / products and provide qualitative inputs to the business

• Gather information from Industry trade groups or through trade shows/market visits.

Desired candidate profile

A Buyer is responsible for purchasing products and managing inventory to meet the needs of a retail or wholesale business. This role involves strategic planning, negotiation, and analysis to ensure that the organization has the right products at the right time and price. Here are the key skills and responsibilities associated with this position:

Strategic Sourcing

1. Supplier Selection: Identifying and selecting suppliers that align with the organization’s quality and pricing requirements.
2. Market Research: Conducting market research to understand trends, consumer preferences, and competitive pricing.

Negotiation Skills

1. Contract Negotiation: Negotiating favorable terms and conditions with suppliers, including pricing, delivery schedules, and payment terms.
2. Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with vendors to ensure quality and reliability.

Inventory Management

1. Stock Control: Managing inventory levels to ensure optimal stock without overstocking or stockouts.
2. Forecasting Demand: Analyzing sales data and market trends to forecast demand and inform purchasing decisions.

Financial Acumen

1. Budget Management: Developing and managing budgets for purchasing activities, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
2. Cost Analysis: Evaluating costs and analyzing price changes to make informed purchasing decisions.

Product Selection

1. Product Evaluation: Assessing products for quality, relevance, and potential profitability before making purchasing decisions.
2. Trend Identification: Keeping up with industry trends to identify new products that will resonate with customers.

Data Analysis

1. Sales Performance Analysis: Analyzing sales reports to evaluate product performance and inform future buying decisions.
2. Reporting: Preparing reports on purchasing activities, inventory levels, and supplier performance for management.

Collaboration

1. Cross-Department Coordination: Collaborating with marketing, sales, and merchandising teams to ensure alignment on product offerings and promotions.
2. Team Collaboration: Working closely with the buying team to share insights and strategies.

Risk Management

1. Risk Assessment: Identifying potential risks in the supply chain and developing strategies to mitigate them.
2. Supplier Evaluation: Regularly assessing suppliers for reliability, quality, and compliance with agreements.