Buyer/Product Developer - Hampers

Babylonstoren; Franschhoek; On-site; ZAR 350 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A premium lifestyle brand is seeking a Buyer / Product Developer to take ownership of their hamper portfolio. This role requires creating compelling hamper ranges while ensuring commercial viability and on-time delivery. The ideal candidate will have a BCom degree, 3–5 years of related experience, and skills in product development, analytical decision-making, as well as fluency in Afrikaans and English. This position blends creativity with retail strategy in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years' experience in buying, product development or retail merchandising.
• Experience in range planning, cost engineering and margin management.
• Proven ability to balance creative thinking with commercial rigour.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end hamper strategy, range planning and execution across all campaigns.
• Manage costing, pricing and margin performance across the hamper portfolio.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams and external suppliers.

Skills

Creative thinking

Commercial execution

Strong analytical skills

Attention to detail

Fluency in Afrikaans

Fluency in English

Education

BCom degree or equivalent

Job description

Buyer / Product Developer – Hampers

Babylonstoren is seeking a Buyer / Product Developer to take full ownership of our hamper portfolio.

This role is responsible for developing compelling, on-brand and commercially successful hamper ranges across key seasonal and campaign periods. The position combines creative concept development with strong commercial execution, encompassing product selection, costing, packaging, delivery and post-campaign performance review.

You will work cross-functionally with buying, product development, marketing, operations, farms and suppliers to ensure hampers are distinctive, relevant and delivered on time.

Competencies & Experience

• A relevant BCom degree or equivalent.
• 3–5 years’ experience in buying, product development or retail merchandising.
• Strong understanding of retail and consumer trends, particularly within premium or lifestyle brands.
• Proven ability to balance creative thinking with commercial rigour.
• Excellent product judgement, aesthetic sensibility and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, planning and project management skills.
• Experience in range planning, cost engineering and margin management.
• Knowledge of packaging development and sourcing processes.
• A sustainability-aware mindset.
• Confident communicator with strong presentation and negotiation skills.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Fluency in Afrikaans and English.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end hamper strategy, range planning and execution across all campaigns.
• Conceptualise and curate themed hamper ranges using Babylonstoren products across food, homeware and bath and body.
• Translate creative concepts into commercially viable assortments with clear pricing and margin targets.
• Analyse sales performance, trends and customer insights to inform range decisions and future planning.
• Lead product sourcing and development for hampers in line with Babylonstoren’s quality and brand standards.
• Manage costing, pricing and margin performance across the hamper portfolio.
• Project-manage hamper development timelines to ensure on-time delivery for key trading periods.
• Drive innovative yet practical packaging solutions, aligned with brand, sustainability and operational requirements.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams and external suppliers, including Babylonstoren farms.

Applicants are invited to apply via the online application portal: https://babylonstoren.breezy.hr/