Buying Manager

Pro Select Consulting; Durban; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion retail company seeks a Buyer Manager to lead their buying team in executing merchandise strategies that align with business goals. The role demands strong leadership, a deep understanding of fashion trends, and the ability to manage product assortments effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years experience in buying or merchandising in fashion retail.
• Proven track record in managing seasonal products and achieving sales targets.
• Strong understanding of fashion trends and customer behavior.

Responsibilities

• Lead the clothing buying team to develop merchandise strategies.
• Manage supplier relationships and assortment planning.
• Drive sales and ensure timely product delivery.

Skills

Merchandise Planning

Analytical Skills

Leadership

Communication

Attention to Detail

Commercial Acumen

Customer-Centric Mindset

Tools

Excel

Merchandise Planning Tools

PLM Systems

ERP Systems

Job description

To lead the clothing buying team in developing and executing merchandise strategies that align with brand and business goals in a fast-paced fashion retail environment. The Buyer Manager is responsible for delivering customer-focused product assortments, driving sales and gross profit, and ensuring timely product delivery. By leading cross-functional collaboration, analyzing trade performance, and maintaining strong supplier relationships, this role ensures the right product reaches the right stores at the right time, while fostering a high-performing, responsive, and fashion-savvy team culture.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Team Leadership
• Merchandise Calendar Management
• Current Trade Management
• Post-Mortem and Seasonal Strategy Development
• Assortment Planning and Review
• Supplier and Partner Relationship Management

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 5 to7 years experience in a buying or merchandising role within fashion retail.
• Proven track record of managing seasonal product ranges and achieving sales and profit targets.
• Strong understanding of fashion trends, customer behaviour, and competitor activity.
• Experience in leading and developing high-performing buying or merchandise teams.
• Previous involvement in planning product assortments, managing critical paths, and working cross- functionally with design, QA, VM, and marketing.

PREFERRED SKILLS / ATTRIBUTES:

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to analyse trade performance and make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Effective leadership and communication skills to guide teams and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly in reporting and range building.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile retail environment and adapt quickly to change.
• Competence in relevant software systems (e.g., Excel, merchandise planning tools, PLM or ERP systems).
• Passionate about fashion and trend-forward thinking.
• Customer-centric mindset with a drive to deliver the right product at the right time.
• Resilient, proactive, and solution-oriented.