Position: Buyer and Designer
Salary: Market related
Location: Sandton, Johannesburg
Job type: Permanent
Industry: Fashion Accessories / Retail
Reference Number: MJ.BD.CFO
Company Description
Our client is within the fashion accessories / retail sector and is seeking a dynamic and trend-focused Buyer with a flair for intermediate Graphic Design.
This is a hybrid role.
Job Description
This hybrid role combines product sourcing and range building with hands-on design responsibilities, including CAD creation, packaging layout, and marketing visuals.
The successful candidate will play a critical role in bringing fast fashion concepts to life — from product to shelf.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- Buying & Product Development
- Identify and source fast-moving fashion accessories, gift items, and beauty tools aligned with seasonal trends and retailer strategies.
- Build product ranges tailored to different retail formats and target markets.
- Manage critical paths, pricing, MOQ negotiations, and order timelines with overseas suppliers.
- Monitor sales, react to performance, and initiate repeat or markdown strategies.
Design & Visual Communication- Create clear and accurate product CADs and mock-ups for presentation and development.
- Design packaging artwork (hang tags, header cards, blister packs, etc.) in accordance with retailer guidelines and brand positioning.
- Assist in designing marketing materials and look books for internal and client-facing use.
- Ensure consistency in branding, tone, and layout across product lines and categories.
Trend & Market Research- Analyze local and international markets for trend direction and competitor activity.
- Interpret seasonal trends into commercial product ideas, including mood boards and colour palettes.
- Present concept and range boards to senior management and retail buyers.
Educational Requirements
Grade 12; related tertiary qualification in Buying / Procurement / Graphic Design will be beneficial.
Experience and Skills Required
- 3+ years' experience in retail buying or product development in fashion (preferable).
- Intermediate graphic design experience in Adobe Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
- Strong commercial eye with a deep understanding of trend application in a mass retail context.
- Experience working with Chinese suppliers and managing import timelines and costing.
- Excellent presentation, planning, and communication skills.
Software Proficiency
- Adobe Illustrator – Essential for product CADs and tech packs.
- Photoshop – Retouching, marketing visuals, and mock-ups.
- InDesign – Layouts for presentations, catalogues, and look books.
- Excel – Budgeting, costing sheets, and order tracking.
Qualities
- Strong sense of urgency and attention to detail.
- Flexible and fast-thinking – able to pivot based on trends or retailer needs.
- Creative and analytical mindset – balancing design with commercial acumen.
- Team player who thrives in a deadline-driven, trend-conscious environment.
To apply for this position, please follow the link below. By submitting your CV, you confirm that:
- 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 is true, correct, and up to date.
We endeavour to reply to each application; however, if you do not hear from us within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.