Footwear Buyer

La Brands; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the retail apparel and fashion industry is searching for a Senior Buyer. This full-time position requires a proven track record in footwear buying and entails responsibilities such as managing product collections, supplier relationships, and team supervision. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills and hold a relevant degree or diploma.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years footwear buying experience.
• Experience in fashion, sportswear retail, or manufacturing.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, pressurized environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough analysis of sales patterns for future collections.
• Manage suppliers to maintain relationships and expectations.
• Oversee a team including Assistant Buyer and Buying Interns.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Analytical Skills

Teamwork

Organizational Skills

Education

Degree or Diploma in Fashion, Textiles, Design, or Buying

Job description

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Responsibilities

1. Conduct thorough analysis and evaluation of past season sales patterns (sales, margins, sell-thru, quality, delivery, range performance & market / customer feedback) to inform the development of future collections.
2. Have an advanced understanding of the South African Footwear customer with a proven track record of developing premium, quality products.
3. Proficient in footwear development and understanding of the technical construction of shoes.
4. Build product collections that are 'brand right' and aligned with seasonal budgets, sales & fashion trends.
5. Track in-season performance against seasonal & annual budgets and respond to drive sales or implement remedial actions on underperforming products.
6. Manage suppliers effectively to maintain constructive relationships, ensuring all elements related to pricing, margins, quality, quantity, styling & delivery are clearly understood and executed according to business requirements.
7. Keep abreast of global & local fashion trends and interpret them for the Polo customer.
8. Demonstrate strong administrative and organizational skills.
9. Manage a team, overseeing an Assistant Buyer and Buying Interns.
10. Communicate effectively with senior management, internal & external partners, and team members.
11. Travel locally and internationally as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of footwear buying experience in fashion, sportswear retail, or manufacturing.
• Degree or Diploma in Fashion, Textiles, Design, or Buying.
• Ability to show initiative and flexibility.
• High level of confidence and attention to detail.
• Honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to cope in a fast-paced, pressurized environment.
• Good teamwork and organizational skills.

Additional Information

Senior level, full-time position in product management and quality assurance within the retail apparel and fashion industry.

This job posting is active and accepting applications.