Category Buyer

It's enjoyable to be part of a company where individuals genuinely BELIEVE in their mission! The role involves developing and implementing category plans that align with the overarching strategy, goals, and category group guidelines related to format/margin and assortment strategies. The aim is to enhance the performance of the designated categories by ensuring clear category plans are established that are in accordance with the strategy, category group guidelines, and customer orientation.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in Retail and Category Management
• Familiarity with General Merchandise within the relevant categories is a plus
• Strong financial background; knowledge of SAP is an added benefit

Competencies

• Solid commercial and financial insight
• Proven capability in managing multiple categories
• Exceptional negotiation and persuasion skills
• Strategic thinking combined with practical execution
• Analytical and data-driven decision-making
• Leadership and talent development

Key Responsibilities

Negotiation

• Understands the negotiating landscape, key motivators, and desired results; formulates and presents factual, logical, and persuasive arguments to garner support and secure commitment from other parties; recognizes when to engage in counter-negotiations to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Effectively manages disagreements and disputes using diplomacy and emotional control; anticipates potential negotiating hurdles and objections.

Category Strategy

• Develops and proposes business strategies aimed at category-specific growth.
• Assesses merchandising plans and their business implications; recommends modifications to plans based on analysis.
• Identifies and suggests process improvements that enhance performance, quality, and work efficiency while reducing costs.

Category Performance

• Maintains a comprehensive understanding of the assigned category, industry, and market; utilizes knowledge of industry practices, business trends, distribution methods, and the competitive landscape to formulate buying plans.
• Implements and executes tactical buying plans, ensuring they are consistent with category-specific growth strategies as well as Pick n Pay’s overall business objectives.

Supplier Relations

• Engages with suppliers on a regular basis to collaboratively share financial and other performance metrics; employs metrics to pinpoint performance deficiencies and ensures suppliers are accountable for meeting financial and mutually agreed-upon targets; devises and executes contingency plans to address performance gaps.
• Cultivates and sustains relationships with suppliers; exhibits confidence and expertise during interactions.

Private Brand Strategy and Development

• Executes and implements the Private Brand category strategy, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies as well as Pick n Pay’s overall business goals.

Merchandise Knowledge

• Utilizes knowledge of Pick n Pay’s merchandise, current promotions, pricing adjustments, and sales to enhance daily activities.
• Develops merchandising solutions aimed at achieving business objectives and influencing financial outcomes.
• Recognizes and applies insights from key industry trends and market dynamics to positively influence merchandising strategies.

Closing Date: 01 February 2026

If you thrive in an environment of rapid growth and enjoy collaborating with enthusiastic, high-achieving individuals, you'll find a fulfilling career with us!

Discover Who We Are
At Pick n Pay, we are more than just a retailer; we are a team of committed individuals dedicated to providing an outstanding shopping experience for our customers and a vibrant, enriching work environment for our employees. Established in 1967, Pick n Pay is one of the largest retail chains in South Africa, serving millions of customers throughout the African continent. Our reputation is founded on our commitment to delivering the best quality and value to our customers.

Our Mission
We serve with our hearts, creating a great place to work, and with our minds, crafting an excellent shopping environment.

Our Values
Our values are integral to our culture and shape our actions:

• Passion for our Customers: We are dedicated to our customers and advocate for their rights. Their satisfaction is our success.
• Respect and Care: We treat each other with kindness and understanding, valuing our team’s diversity.
• Personal Growth and Opportunity: We promote personal development and opportunities, empowering our employees with chances for learning and advancement.
• Leadership and Innovation: We encourage leadership and vision, rewarding innovative ideas.
• Honesty and Integrity: We uphold honesty and integrity, operating transparently and with trustworthiness in all our interactions.
• Community Support: We engage with and support our communities, believing in making a positive impact.
• Individual Responsibility: We take ownership of our actions and decisions.
• Accountability: We are all accountable, ensuring we deliver on our commitments to our customers, colleagues, and business.

Why Pick n Pay?
At Pick n Pay, our strength lies in our people. We aspire to be the employer of choice by attracting and retaining top talent in the industry. We foster a work environment that promotes growth, celebrates achievements, and values individual contributions. Here, your work will be meaningful, acknowledged, and rewarded. Experience the joy of being part of Pick n Pay. Together, let’s shape the future of retail in Africa.

View our career opportunities.