Job Description

Position summary
Industry: Wholesale & Retail Trade
Job category: Other: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain
Location: Cape Town
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
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 managing own senior portfolio is advantageous
• Ability to manage a buyer's assistant and/or trainee
• 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