Absolute Pets is a leading provider of high-quality pet products, committed to offering a diverse range of supplies to enhance the well-being of pets and strengthen the bond between pets and their owners. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Pet Buyer.
Position Overview
As a category manager, you will be responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing the supply of pet products (such as food, toys, accessories, and grooming items) that align with the company’s strategic objectives. The candidate will bridge marketing, procurement, and sales to optimize assortments, maximize profitability, and drive sustainable growth based on market trends and consumer insights
This position requires a candidate with strong analytical skills, a keen eye for industry trends and a passion for providing pet owners with the best products available.
The successful candidate will collaborate with the planning team, suppliers, and store operations to ensure an optimal product assortment that meets the needs of our diverse customer base.
Duties and responsibilities:
Assortment Planning
- Use data analytical tools and techniques to analyse sales data and product performance.
- Create and maintain a balanced product portfolio based on market trends, customer preferences, and company objectives.
- Analyze customer feedback and sales data to guide future product selection and discontinuations.
- Evaluate new product opportunities, conduct product testing, and collaborate with suppliers to introduce innovative and high-quality pet products to our stores.
Supplier Management
- Research and identify potential suppliers.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure timely and cost-effective buying of high-quality pet products.
- Negotiate pricing.
Market Research and Analysis
- Conduct thorough market research though online research and store visits to identify emerging trends, competitive landscape, new brands and customer preferences.
- Monitor competitor offerings and market trends to adjust product assortments and ensure competitiveness.
Planogram Creation
- Collaborate with the visual merchandising team to establish visual merchandising standards. Utilize Quant Retail, our planogramming system, to create visually appealing planograms that enhance the in-store customer experience.
Experience and qualification:
- Bachelor's degree in business, merchandising, or a related field.
- Min 5 years of retail buying or planning experience.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel or other data analysis tools.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Ability to show initiative and be resourceful
- Passion for pets and understanding of pet industry trends.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and results-driven environment.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in business, merchandising, or a related field
- Minimum 5 years of retail buying or planning experience
- Strong analytical skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or other data analysis tools
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to show initiative and be resourceful
- Passion for pets and understanding of pet industry trends
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and results-driven environment
What We Do
Absolute Pets is a boutique pet care retail chain that offers customers the very best products, services and advice for their pets' optimal well being. We sell a range of premium and super-premium brands, including leading nutrition, a range of toys and accessories, gourmet treats, grooming items, pet clothing and pet ethicals or treatments. Absolute Pets is a growing retail business operating in Gauteng and the Western Cape with the aim of becoming the top pet care retailer in South Africa.
