Fashion Retail Buyer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 520,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Employee discount

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking a trend-savvy and analytical Fashion Retail Buyer to curate clothing, accessories and footwear collections that align with market demand and brand identity. You will identify trends, build strong supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and manage seasonal buying plans, while collaborating with marketing and visual merchandising to optimize product presentation.

This role offers a fast-paced environment, opportunities for travel, and a direct impact on the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience as a Fashion Buyer or similar merchandising role in retail.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify current and upcoming fashion trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activities.
• Source and select apparel, accessories, and footwear from domestic and international suppliers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and manufacturers.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules to secure favorable outcomes.
• Develop and manage seasonal buying plans and budgets, ensuring profitability.
• Analyze sales performance of purchased merchandise and inform future buying cycles.
• Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising teams for effective product presentation.
• Attend trade shows and market visits to stay updated on industry developments.
• Manage the product lifecycle from selection to store delivery.
• Minimize stock obsolescence and maximize inventory turnover.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Tools

Excel

MS Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious fashion retailer with a strong presence in Cape Town, Western Cape , is looking for a trend-savvy and analytical Fashion Retail Buyer. This role is crucial in curating the company's clothing and accessory collections, ensuring they align with market demands, brand identity, and customer preferences. You will be responsible for identifying emerging fashion trends, building strong relationships with suppliers, and negotiating terms to secure profitable deals. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the fashion industry, exceptional negotiation skills, and a keen eye for commercial viability. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the direction of fashion within a dynamic and fast-paced retail environment in the beautiful city of Cape Town .

Key Responsibilities

• Research and identify current and upcoming fashion trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activities.
• Source and select apparel, accessories, and footwear from a variety of domestic and international suppliers.
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with vendors and manufacturers.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules to ensure favorable outcomes.
• Develop and manage seasonal buying plans and budgets, ensuring profitability.
• Analyze sales performance of purchased merchandise and make informed decisions for future buying cycles.
• Collaborate closely with the marketing and visual merchandising teams to ensure effective product presentation.
• Attend trade shows, fashion events, and market visits to stay abreast of industry developments.
• Manage the entire product lifecycle from selection to store delivery.
• Minimize stock obsolescence and maximize inventory turnover.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience as a Fashion Buyer or in a similar merchandising role within the retail sector.
• Demonstrated understanding of the fashion industry, including key designers, brands, and market trends relevant to Cape Town, Western Cape .
• Proven negotiation and contract management skills.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to interpret sales data.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with buying software and MS Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• A creative and commercial mindset with a passion for fashion.
• Strategic thinking and proactive problem-solving capabilities.

Benefits

• This role comes with a competitive salary of R per annum, reflective of your experience and expertise.
• In addition to your salary, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and dental coverage, and a generous employee discount on our client's fashion-forward merchandise.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within the buying and merchandising departments are abundant.
• You will be working in a stimulating and collaborative atmosphere in stunning Cape Town , contributing directly to the brand's aesthetic and commercial success.