Homeware Merchandiser / Account Manager

Homefront Trading 434; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A homeware company in Cape Town is seeking a Homeware Merchandiser / Account Manager to source and develop products, manage supplier relationships, and negotiate costs. Ideal candidates have 3-5 years' experience in sourcing and product development, particularly within homeware. This full-time position offers opportunities for local and international travel.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in sourcing or product development, ideally within homeware.
• Experience working with international suppliers.
• Proven track record in negotiating costs.

Responsibilities

• Source, develop, and manage a competitive homeware product range.
• Identify and evaluate products from potential suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing with factories and customers.

Skills

Strong negotiation and communication skills

Excellent attention to detail

Commercial awareness

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Problem-solving mindset

Education

Diploma or degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Business

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

I am currently looking for a Homeware Merchandiser / Account Manager position. This is a full time position, based in Cape Town. We specialize in the import of Homeware, ranging from Kitchen Items, Bathroom Accessories, Décor and Furniture.

Job Purpose

To source, develop, and manage a competitive and profitable homeware product range by identifying reliable suppliers, negotiating costs, and ensuring timely delivery of quality products that meet brand and customer expectation.

Key Responsibilities

• Strong ability to identify emerging trends and industry developments.
• Identify, evaluate, and source products from current and potential new suppliers.
• Natural attunement to shifts in trends and new developments.
• Maintain and nurture long-term supplier partnerships as well as customer relationships.
• Responsible for calculating product costs and ensure profitability and competitiveness.
• Proactively present and promote new products to customers to drive sales.
• Drive pricing negotiations with factories and customers to optimize profitability.
• Request and track product samples to ensure on‑time delivery to customers.
• Coordinate with factories to place orders and confirm specifications, packaging, and delivery timelines.
• Coordinate with factories to ensure production samples are delivered on schedule and approved before production.
• Inspect and approve final production before shipment to ensure quality standards are met.
• Coordinate with suppliers and freight partners to achieve on‑time shipments.
• Monitor the supply chain to ensure on‑time delivery to customers.
• The employee is required to demonstrate friendliness, professionalism, and a willingness to assist customers at all time.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational ability.
• Commercial awareness and a keen eye for product trends.
• Solid understanding of sourcing, costing, and supply chain processes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.
• Problem‑solving mindset and strong interpersonal skills.

Experience and Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
• 3–5 years’ experience in sourcing or product development, ideally within homeware, décor, or lifestyle categories.
• Experience working with international suppliers.
• Proven track record in negotiating costs and managing product development timelines.
• Understanding of product quality standards and compliance requirements.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, organized, and results‑driven.
• Creative with a strong aesthetic sense for homeware trends.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast‑paced retail environment.
• Team player with a collaborative working style.
• Local and international travel involved.

Start date : as soon as possible.

If you are interested in this position, please do send through your CV before the 29th October.

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