Buying Manager Private Labels: TFG Beauty

TFG (The Foschini Group); Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic leader to drive the private label beauty strategy. This role involves managing product development, supplier relationships, and commercial performance while ensuring regulatory compliance and sustainability. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in buying or merchandising, particularly in beauty, and have a passion for innovation and customer experience. Join a forward-thinking team that values creativity and accountability, and make a significant impact on product offerings that resonate with customers.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in buying/merchandising, 3+ years in private label beauty.
• Strong understanding of beauty industry regulations and trends.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive private label beauty strategy aligned with business goals.
• Lead product lifecycle management from concept to shelf.
• Collaborate with teams for cohesive brand launches and marketing.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Commercial Acumen

Communication

Data Fluency

Education

Tertiary qualification in Buying, Business, or related field

Beauty Science or Cosmetic Product Development

Job description

Key Responsibilities

JOB DESCRIPTION

Private Label Strategy & Execution

1. Define and drive the private label beauty strategy in line with overall business goals and customer insights.
2. Lead end-to-end product lifecycle management across multiple beauty subcategories — from concept to shelf.
3. Build a strategic assortment framework that supports category growth, white space capture, and brand positioning.
4. Balance trend-forward innovation with customer-centric formulations, packaging, and pricing.

Product Development

1. Own the private label product development calendar and critical path to deliver new launches on time and within budget.
2. Collaborate with internal and external design resources to create compelling packaging, branding, and product storytelling.
3. Partner with technical and quality teams to ensure regulatory compliance, product efficacy, and safety standards are met.
4. Approve pre-production and production samples, ensuring consistent execution across all SKUs.
5. Drive sustainability initiatives within private label through responsible packaging, clean formulations, and ethical sourcing.

Supplier Management & Sourcing

1. Identify and manage a global supplier base specialising in private label manufacturing for beauty and personal care.
2. Lead commercial negotiations to achieve margin targets, favorable MOQs, and optimised lead times.
3. Ensure ongoing supplier compliance with ethical, social, and environmental standards in line with the brand’s sustainability goals.
4. Foster strong partnerships with contract manufacturers, raw material suppliers, and packaging vendors.

Commercial & KPI Management

1. Monitor and manage key business metrics including sales, margin, stock health, clearance, and sell-through.
2. Use commercial insights, sales trends, and consumer data to inform future product decisions and range evolution.
3. React quickly to trade performance with in-season adjustments, fast-track launches, or promotional support.
4. Develop action plans to improve performance and mitigate risks, ensuring private label ranges remain competitive and relevant.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

1. Work closely with Planning, Marketing, E-commerce, Visual Merchandising, and Store Operations to deliver cohesive, brand-right launches.
2. Partner with the digital team on DTC strategies, online exclusives, and customer journeys for private label beauty.
3. Collaborate with Marketing and Social teams to support campaigns, influencer activity, sampling, and brand storytelling.

Innovation & Trend Integration

1. Translate macro beauty trends, emerging ingredients, and consumer behavior into winning product concepts.
2. Conduct regular competitor benchmarking and global market research to stay ahead of the curve.
3. Lead innovation in formats, claims, sensorial experiences, and formulation — ensuring every product adds unique value.

Team Leadership & Development

1. Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of buyers, product developers, and category specialists.
2. Promote a culture of creativity, accountability, and commercial excellence within the private label team.
3. Support the career development of team members through coaching, feedback, and learning opportunities.

Qualifications & Experience

1. A relevant tertiary qualification in Buying, Business, Beauty Science, Cosmetic Product Development, or related field.
2. 10+ years’ experience in buying or merchandising, with at least 3 years focused on private label beauty or personal care.
3. Experience managing end-to-end product development, including manufacturing and sourcing.
4. Solid understanding of beauty industry regulations, trends, and customer expectations.
5. Proven success in driving commercially viable product strategies and building brand equity.

Key Skills

1. Strong leadership and project management capabilities.
2. Deep understanding of beauty product development processes and supplier ecosystems.
3. Commercial acumen and data fluency, with the ability to turn insights into action.
4. Exceptional communication and stakeholder management across internal and external teams.
5. Passionate about beauty, innovation, and delivering elevated customer experiences through owned brands.

Behaviours

1. Applies market and business insights in order to drive organisational objectives.
2. Forms, develops and leads a group of individuals toward the achievement of a common team objective.
3. Creates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of creativity which drives success.
4. Thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the organisation.
5. Develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives.
6. Understands and navigates dynamics created by processes, systems, and people.
7. Assesses and improves the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of various work processes.
8. Quickly adapts and acquires new knowledge, skills, and competencies in a rapidly changing environment.
9. Interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems.