Buyer
Purchase inventory and negotiate with suppliers on behalf of a retail business.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Buyer?
- How to become a Buyer
- Latest Buyer jobs
- Top skills and experience for Buyers
- Is Buyer the right role for you?
- Buyer role reviews
What's it like to be a Buyer?
Buyers plan, select and purchase goods to be sold by retailers. They may work domestically or with international suppliers to match retail stocks to the latest consumer trends. Buyers need good negotiation skills and knowledge of retail markets and consumer data. They work for wholesale and consumer retailers of all sizes. In larger organisations, a Buyer may specialise in purchasing one category of goods.
Tasks and duties
- Staying updated on consumer trends and market conditions to determine a purchasing strategy.
- Deciding on quantities, style and quality of goods for purchase.
- Negotiating purchasing and promotional arrangements with suppliers.
- Working with other managers to create long-term buying strategies.
- Using budgets and seasonal trends to determine a product mix.
- Monitoring stock levels and analysing sales data.
How to become a Buyer
You don’t need a qualification to work as a Buyer, but industry experience is essential. A tertiary qualification in retail management or a similar field may be beneficial.
- Build experience in an entry-level retail position, such as Sales Assistant.
- Consider completing a VET qualification, such as a Certificate III in Retail (SIR30216) or Certificate IV in Retail Management (SIR40316). Alternatively, a bachelor degree in business or commerce may provide a broader range of career opportunities.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Buyers.Latest Buyer jobs on SEEK
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Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Buyer employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Buying
Negotiation
Supplier Relationships
Purchase Orders
Fashion
Product Development
Supply Chain
Profit Oriented
Category Management
Merchandising
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Buyer reviews
May 2021
I would only consider this job if you are resilient, positive and quick thinking with confidence
Reviewer's QualificationBachelor of Arts
Experience10+ years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationWomenswear
The good thingsIt’s a challenging role but rewarding. Best to have a positive attitude and not get bogged down in negativity
The challengesIt’s challenging to get new ideas across the line and engage other stakeholders as well as time management challenges and work comes in peaks and troughs
Read more
May 2021
Being a fashion buyer requires long hours and hard work, but it will always be my dream job
ExperienceLess than a year
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationAccessories Womenswear
The good thingsWorking in a face paced fashion industry is incredible creative and analytical at the same time; you’re constantly working on something different and spend a lot of your time looking at new trends.
The challengesIt is very competitive, which means you have to be incredibly driven within your role. The hours are long and the role has high accountability.
Read more
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SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through au.seek.com
