Job category: Other: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain
Location: Cape Town
Contract: Permanent
EE position: No
Introduction
To develop and execute a customer-focused and profitable seasonal product strategy that aligns with the company’s overall strategy and brand identity. You will ensure the product range is trend-appropriate, commercially viable, and appeals to our target customer. From product conception through to in-store execution, you will oversee the entire journey, ensuring a balanced and well-curated range that meets sales targets and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Seasonal Planning & Product Development
- Develop and execute a profitable seasonal product strategy aligned with department KPIs.
- Leverage data (trends, customer insights, competitor analysis) to guide the product roadmap.
- Present the seasonal plan, outlining strategic categories and channel-specific considerations.
- Collaborate with Design & Sourcing to build a balanced, trend-driven range.
- Partner with Sourcing to introduce innovative product concepts and manage the product lifecycle.
- Oversee sample approvals with Technical Product Development, ensuring quality and critical path alignment.
- Utilise global insights to identify market opportunities and product innovation.
- Deepen customer insights through tools like First Insights and competitor benchmarking.
- Conduct market research (EDITED, WGSN) to inform product differentiation and merchandising strategies.
- Develop marketing proposals to enhance the in-store and online customer experience.
Trading and Sales Performance
- Analyse weekly sales across all channels and adjust trading strategies accordingly.
- Collaborate with Planning and Sourcing to address product performance through markdowns, promotions and volume adjustments.
- Provide competitor feedback to inform future buying strategies.
Minimum Requirements
- A relevant degree/qualification in Fashion or Product Development.
- 5 - 8 years of experience in a Buying role, with a strong background in fashion and accessories.
- Preferred product knowledge in babywear (newborn/infants/toddlers) & accessories.
- A deep understanding of customer behaviour, market trends and product development processes.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to manage a Buyer’s Assistant, Trainee and Buyer I.
- Computer literate with proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
- Knowledge of current trends and proven ability to interpret trends and conceptualize products.
- Excellent understanding of market and ability to analyse trends.
- 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.
- Ability to travel both locally and internationally.
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