Job Description

Position summary
Industry: Wholesale & Retail Trade
Job category: Other: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain
Location: Cape Town
Contract: Permanent
EE position: No
Introduction
To develop and deliver a profitable and customer-led Womenswear product strategy through the execution of a seasonal departmental plan. This role drives product innovation, commercial success, and alignment to business objectives by collaborating across Planning, Design, Sourcing and other key business partners.
Job description

• Developing and executing a customer-led seasonal strategy aligned to key business objectives and brand positioning.
• Leading range building by partnering with Design, Sourcing and Planning to deliver trend-right, profitable assortments across channels.
• Leveraging insights from data, trend forecasts (e.g. EDITED, WGSN), customer analytics, and market research to inform product direction.
• Overseeing the full product lifecycle, from concept development to final sign-off ensuring product quality, pricing architecture and innovation.
• Conducting regular trade analysis to track product performance and implement actions that drive sales, improve margin, and manage stock health.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Technical, Visual Merchandising) to ensure cohesive execution across touchpoints.
• Supporting the sourcing strategy by engaging with suppliers, managing costing, and ensuring adherence to the merchandise cycle.
• Mentoring and coaching Trainees & Buying Assistants, driving skills development, performance and career growth.
• Fostering strong internal and external relationships to influence outcomes and enhance collaboration across the value chain.

Minimum requirements
Relevant 3-year diploma or degree
Minimum of 6-8 years' buying experience in apparel, with at least 2 years at a senior level.
Experience in Denim is advantageous
Strong commercial acumen and understanding of fashion retail.
A proven track record in delivering trend-right, customer-focused ranges that drive sales and profitability.
Exceptional stakeholder management, leadership, and team development skills.
Highly analytical, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle, sourcing, and merchandising principles.
Computer literate with proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, PLM & EDITED
Excellent understanding of market, awareness of locally and international with a creative flair to interpret forthcoming moods, trends and themes
Demonstrates the ability to think strategically and formulate effective plans and strategies.
Understanding of business and buying processes and systems
Retail market and industry knowledge
Knowledge of markdown and mark up pricing, visibility to drive sales, sell-through
Proven experience in delivering and executing business and BU strategy
Ability to travel both locally and internationally
Strong numerical and analytical skills

Skills Required