Johanita Corbett
Buyer
Randburg
Summary
Dynamic Senior Buyer & Key Accounts professional with 15+ years’ experience in procurement, category management, and retail merchandising. Proven ability to lead buying teams, negotiate with suppliers, and deliver profitable category growth. Recognized with the Massmart Citation for Merchandise Excellence (2022) for driving category innovation and growth. Customer-focused, analytical, and passionate about delivering strategies that balance sales growth with profitability.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
2
2
Language
Work History
Buyer
Builders – Paint & Allied
01.2023 - Current
- Leading national procurement for Paint & Allied categories, aligning range and promotions with seasonal trends and customer demand.
- Managing paint ranges across entry, mid-tier, and premium categories to meet customer demand and market trends.
- Negotiate cost prices with suppliers, securing competitive pricing and improved margins.
- Built and maintained strong supplier relationships to ensure reliable supply, quality standards, and innovation.
- Planned and managed inventory levels to balance seasonal demand, minimize stock-outs, and reduce excess/obsolete stock.
- Supported promotions and marketing campaigns from start to finish.
- Monitored competitor pricing, promotions, and new product launches to keep the category competitive.
- Prepared sales, margin, and performance reports, providing insights to drive category profitability and growth.
Buyer
Builders – Garden Nursery, Plants, Pets & Animals, Confectionary
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Managed diverse procurement portfolio spanning plants, pets, animals, and confectionery.
- Elevated the nursery into a vibrant, welcoming shopping environment that enhanced customer experience and brand perception.
- Curated and expanded plant, décor, and garden-care ranges to drive seasonal relevance and broaden appeal.
- Built strong partnerships with growers and suppliers, ensuring consistent quality and competitive pricing.
- Developed eye-catching merchandising displays and seasonal promotions, boosting customer engagement and sales.
- Implemented effective stock planning and rotation strategies to reduce shrinkage and wastage.
- Created a destination shopping experience that positioned the nursery as both functional and inspirational for customers.
- Received Citation Award for Merchandise Excellence (Massmart, 2022).
Key Accounts Manager
LVG
Johannesburg
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Managed Builders and Mr Price Home as national key accounts.
- Developed tailored sales and merchandising strategies to achieve growth targets.
- Trained store teams on stock management, displays, and customer engagement.
- Acted as liaison between clients and internal teams to align sales strategies.
Co-Owner
Eco Ground Services
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Co-managed landscaping business delivering design, installations, and garden revamps.
- Designed landscape layouts including projects for Sephaku Cement.
- Oversaw payroll, admin, health & safety compliance, and supplier management.
Head of Sales
San Michells
Cape Town
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Led Massmart’s largest Cape-based accounts (Builders)
- Coordinated promotional campaigns with Head Office, driving category sales growth.
- Developed strategies for new market penetration and deeper customer engagement.
Nursery Consultant
New Horizon Farm Nursery, Cape Town
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Managed horticultural plant nursery for retail/trade clients and exhibitions.
- Diagnosed plant diseases/pests and implemented treatment programs.
- Ensured compliance with safety and operational standards.
Sales Consultant
Abacus Gardens
Johannesburg
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Supported customers with design consultations and post-sales service.
- Prepared contracts, inspections, and settlement documentation.
Education
Diploma - Landscape Technology
Tshwane University of Technology
South Africa01.2004
Skills
Accomplishments
- Massmart Citation Award for Merchandise Excellence (2022)
- Deputy Prim – Department of Horticulture & Landscaping, Tshwane University of Technology (2002)
- High School Prefect & Cultural Council (2000)
Timeline
Buyer
Builders – Paint & Allied
01.2023 - Current
Buyer
Builders – Garden Nursery, Plants, Pets & Animals, Confectionary
01.2020 - 01.2022
Key Accounts Manager
LVG
01.2018 - 01.2019
Co-Owner
Eco Ground Services
01.2014 - 01.2016
Head of Sales
San Michells
01.2011 - 01.2014
Nursery Consultant
New Horizon Farm Nursery, Cape Town
01.2009 - 01.2011
Sales Consultant
Abacus Gardens
01.2008 - 01.2009
Diploma - Landscape Technology
Tshwane University of Technology