Retail Buyer Job Description

What is the job description of a Retail Buyer? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Retail Buyer? What does a Retail Buyer do?

Job description of a Retail Buyer

A Retail buyer is responsible for planning, selecting and purchasing quantities of goods and merchandise that are sold in retail stores. They source new and review existing goods to ensure their products remain competitive.

This Retail Buyer job description example includes the list of most important Retail Buyer duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Retail Buyer profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Retail Buyer Duties and Responsibilities

Retail Buyer job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Identify customer preferences and forecast consumer trends
  • Evaluate supplier options according to prices, quality etc. and determine the best choices
  • Discover and purchase new products and check the quality and popularity of those already on our shelves
  • Create reports on sales, budgets and customer satisfaction and adjust your strategies accordingly
  • Forge and maintain trust relationships with suppliers to promote fair dealing
  • Negotiate terms of agreements to achieve the best deal for our company
  • Ensure the timely delivery of products and compliance with the contracts of purchase
  • Monitor stock levels and make plans for buying within budget
  • Attend events, fairs and exhibitions to remain up-to-date with the market’s trends

Retail Buyer Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Retail Buyer job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • B.Sc/BA in business administration or relevant field will be considered a plus.
  • Proven experience as a retail buyer or relevant role
  • Outstanding communication abilities
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Demonstrable aptitude in effective negotiating
  • Up to speed with purchasing best practices
  • Familiarity with market research, data analysis and forecasting techniques
  • Excellent knowledge of MS Office; working knowledge of purchasing software (e.g. SpendMap) is an advantage

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Retail Buyer starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Retail Buyer job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Retail Buyer may also reference it in preparation for the interview.