Fashion Accessories Buyer

The Globevest Group; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A fashion accessories company is seeking a Fashion Accessories Buyer to manage the complete buying and product development process across multiple categories. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in fashion buying or product development and will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating with suppliers, and conducting market analysis. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure. A valid driver's license and a willingness to travel are necessary for this position.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in fashion buying or product development.
• Valid driver's license.
• Strong commercial, numerical, and analytical capability.
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end buying and product development process.
• Develop and manage seasonal accessory ranges.
• Source and negotiate with international suppliers.
• Analyze sales and stock performance for opportunities.
• Coordinate design briefs and production schedules.

Skills

Analytical capability

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Commercial acumen

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Degree or Diploma in Fashion Buying, Retail Management, Business or related

Tools

Advanced Excel

Job description

Salary: Market related

Location: Sandton, Johannesburg

Job type : Permanent

Industry: Fashion Accessories / Retail

Reference: MJ.B.CFO.05012026

COMPANY DESCRIPTION:

Our client is within the fashion accessories / retail sector and is looking for a highly driven, commercially astute, and detail-oriented Fashion Accessories Buyer to join their buying and product development team. This role is suited to a confident individual with strong analytical and administrative capability, a hands-on approach to execution, and the willingness to travel internationally.

JOB DESCRIPTION / PURPOSE:

The successful candidate will manage the end-to-end buying, sourcing, and development of fashion accessory ranges across hair, beauty, gifting, and promotional accessory categories, ensuring all products are trend-relevant, commercially viable, and operationally sound from concept through to store execution.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Range Planning, Buying & Product Development

• Research and interpret global and local fashion trends, colours, materials, and concepts relevant to South African and export markets.
• Develop and manage seasonal and promotional accessory ranges aligned to brand strategy, margin targets, and customer demand.
• Brief, develop, and approve products with international suppliers, ensuring quality standards, cost competitiveness, and delivery timelines are met.
• Conduct competitor, market, and sales analysis to inform buying decisions and identify growth opportunities.
• Identify repeat opportunities, core lines, and newness to ensure balanced and profitable assortments.

Supplier & International Sourcing Management

• Source, negotiate, and manage local and international suppliers, focusing on pricing, lead times, MOQs, and quality compliance.
• Travel internationally for factory visits, sourcing trips, and trade fairs to develop product and maintain supplier relationships.
• Evaluate supplier performance, implement corrective actions, and maintain accurate costing, approvals, and supplier records.
• Liaise closely with logistics and imports teams to track production and shipment progress.

Buying Administration, Indent & Program Support

• Support the Director and Category Buyer on all indent and new business programs, from initial concept through to in-store execution.
• Coordinate design briefs, artworks, packaging details, approvals, volumes, timelines, and production schedules.
• Monitor manufacturing processes, shipment timelines, and critical-path milestones, particularly for high-volume or high-visibility promotions.
• Work with external partners such as SARU, Gallo, Pick n Pay, and other collaborators to ensure accurate and timely information flow.
• Ensure merchandising guidelines, FSUs, clip strips, and display instructions are clearly communicated and correctly executed in-store.
• Oversee store delivery roll-out plans and support logistics coordination for DC deliveries.
• Manage and resolve post-launch queries, including shortages, complaints, quality issues, and operational challenges.
• Maintain a comprehensive operational file for each project, including costings, timelines, risks, approvals, and performance reviews.

Performance Analysis & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring accuracy across costs, quantities, specifications, and delivery dates.
• Analyse sales, margin, and stock performance to identify opportunities, risks, and corrective actions.
• Partner with merchandising, planning, marketing, and sales teams to align product launches and promotional activity.
• Present product performance insights and future buying recommendations in weekly and seasonal meetings.
• Provide product knowledge and execution support to internal teams to ensure consistent brand representation.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Grade 12
• Degree or Diploma in Fashion Buying, Retail Management, Business, or a related field

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• 3–5 years experience in fashion buying or product development, preferably within accessories, FMCG, or mass retail is beneficial
• Valid drivers license.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally and internationally.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to meet changing business needs.
• Strong commercial, numerical, and analytical capability.
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Advanced Excel and reporting skills, including costings, sales tracking, and pivot tables.
• Confident communicator and negotiator with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, tight deadlines, and high-pressure promotional timelines.
• Strong fashion and trend sensibility with an eye for design, colour, and packaging.
• Proactive, self-sufficient, and comfortable working independently and collaboratively.

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