Buyer Designate

Purpose of the Job:

The purpose of a Buyer Designate is to support and execute buying activities for a defined product category within the OK Franchise portfolio by maintaining product ranges, managing supplier interactions, and administering pricing and promotions, ensuring availability, competitiveness, and alignment to Group guidelines and franchise requirements.

Job Objectives:

Product Range Administration

• Implement approved category ranges in line with Group and OK Franchise requirements
• Monitor range performance and recommend adjustments based on sales trends and store feedback
• Maintain accurate product listings, specifications, and records
• Support range rationalisation activities to ensure relevant and commercially viable assortments

Pricing and Cost Management

• Maintain product cost prices in line with approved pricing structures
• Monitor and review competitor pricing and market movements
• Support supplier negotiations by preparing data and analysis for decision-making

Promotions and Advertising Support

• Assist in the coordination of promotional activities and campaigns
• Monitor stock availability to support promotional execution
• Provide and validate product and pricing information to marketing teams
• Track promotional performance and highlight risks or gaps

Supplier Coordination and Support

• Liaise with suppliers to track orders, resolve queries, and ensure delivery timelines
• Maintain supplier information and documentation
• Support onboarding of new suppliers in line with procurement processes
• Escalate risks related to supply, pricing, or service delivery

Stock and Availability Management

• Monitor stock levels in the DC and identify potential shortages
• Work with distribution centres and suppliers to resolve supply issues

Market and Trend Monitoring

• Monitor customer trends, competitor activity, and product performance
• Identify gaps or opportunities and recommend improvements to the category
• Maintain awareness of franchise store requirements and trading conditions

Administrative and Process Compliance

• Maintain accurate records across buying systems and documentation
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, pricing governance, and audit requirements
• Support reporting and data analysis for category reviews
• Contribute to continuous improvement of buying processes

Qualifications:

• Grade 12 or equivalent - (essential).
• Degree or Diploma in Business, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field – (essential)

Experience:

• +3 years’ experience in a buying role, with demonstrable experience executing all aspects of the buying process for a large retail organisation or similar – (essential).
• Demonstrable experience with sourcing and supplier management along with complex vendor / supplier negotiations – (essential).

Knowledge and Skills:

• Well-developed understanding of supply chain concepts, processes and systems – (essential).
• Comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing a product’s cost and selling prices – (essential).
• Knowledge of commercial and financial trade-offs in category sales – (essential).
• Understanding of the retail value chain and profitability drivers – (essential).
• Proficiency in MS Office 365 with advanced Excel skills – (essential).