About the job Buyer
Salary: Market related
Location: Sandton, Johannesburg
Job type: Permanent
Industry: Fashion Accessories / Retail
Reference Number: MJ.B.CFO.03112025
COMPANY DESCRIPTION:
Our client is within the fashion accessories / retail sector and is seeking a creative, analytical, and trend-focused Fashion Accessories Buyer to join their buying and product development team.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Responsible for the selection, sourcing, and development of seasonal fashion accessories across multiple categories including hair, beauty, gifting, and kids accessories ensuring product ranges are commercially aligned, trend-relevant, and delivered within cost and quality parameters.
This role requires a strong understanding of the retail landscape, solid experience in FMCG and/or kids wear, and the ability to balance creative trend insight with commercial buying decisions.
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Range Planning & Product Development
- Research and identify upcoming fashion trends, colors, materials, and motifs suitable for the South African and export markets.
- Develop and maintain seasonal range plans, working closely with design, sales, and planning teams.
- Manage product briefing and development with international suppliers and factories, ensuring on-brand execution, quality, and price competitiveness.
- Conduct regular competitor and market analysis to ensure the company remains a market leader in trend-driven accessories.
Supplier Management
- Source, negotiate, and manage supplier relationships to ensure best pricing, delivery timelines, and quality compliance.
- Evaluate supplier performance, implement corrective actions, and maintain updated costings and approvals.
- Collaborate with the logistics team to track shipments and ensure timely delivery for promotional and seasonal launches.
Buying & Inventory Coordination
- Raise purchase orders and monitor order progress in collaboration with the import and merchandising departments.
- Manage sales and stock performance analysis to identify repeat opportunities and slow movers.
- Partner with retail buyers and category managers to drive sales performance and ensure balanced assortments.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with marketing and merchandising teams to align products with promotional activities and display strategies.
- Attend weekly sales meetings, presenting product performance insights and future buying recommendations.
- Provide guidance and product knowledge support to internal teams, ensuring consistent brand representation.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Grade 12
- Degree or Diploma in Fashion Buying, Retail Management, or Business
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- 3-5 years experience in buying or product development within fashion, accessories, or kids wear
- Exposure to FMCG or mass retail environments is highly beneficial
- Experience liaising with international suppliers (especially China and the Far East) preferred
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Strong trend forecasting and product development capability
- Commercially astute with excellent numerical and analytical skills
- Advanced Excel and reporting skills (pivot tables, costing, sales tracking)
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills (both written and verbal)
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Creative eye for design, colour, and packaging presentation
- Proactive self-starter with the ability to work independently and within a team
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Valid drivers license and willingness to travel domestically and internationally for sourcing and trade fairs
- Ability to perform under pressure and meet tight deadlines
POPIA
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- We may retain your personal information in our database for future matching.
- We may contact you when suitable opportunities arise.
- The information you have provided to us is true, correct and up to date.
We endeavour to reply to each and every application, however, should you not hear back from us within 14 days please consider your application unsuccessful.