Import Merchandiser

Supernova Brands; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Supernova Brands is seeking an Import Merchandiser to drive private label development and manage key retailer relationships. You will collaborate with Category Managers to shape product stories and expand ranges, while ensuring cost efficiency with suppliers.

The role requires 3+ years in import merchandising, with a homeware or fashion background preferred and potential to grow into Product Development or Brand Manager roles.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as Import Merchandiser or Junior Import Merchandiser.
• Experience in homeware/private label development is preferred.
• Degree or qualification in fashion buying, merchandising, consumer sciences or procurement/commercial fields.

Responsibilities

• Lead private label and in-house range development with Category/Brand Managers.
• Manage supplier conversations (local and international) with 10–30+ active partners, negotiate pricing and MOQs.
• Be the single point of contact for key accounts, handle product sign-offs and rapid pricing requests.

Skills

Attention to detail

Negotiation

Organization

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Fashion Buying & Merchandising BA

Consumer Sciences degree

Procurement/Commercial background

Job description

Start Date: As soon as you are available to start

Job type: Full-time, on-site, Monday to Friday

Are you a detail-obsessed, highly organized Import Merchandiser who thrives in a fast-paced retail and product development environment? We are looking for a proactive and commercially minded professional to join our team, drive private label expansion, and own key retail customer relationships.

If you have a passion for homeware, strong negotiation skills, and the drive to grow into a Product Development or Brand Manager role, this is the opportunity for you!

Key Responsibilities

• Private Label & Range Development: Lead the development of in-house private label products and brands, working closely with Category Managers and Brand Managers to build coherent product stories and expand product lines.


• Supplier & Sourcing Management: Act as the main point of contact for international and local suppliers (managing 10–30+ active supplier conversations). Source new suppliers, negotiate pricing/MOQs, and ensure cost efficiency.


• Customer & Account Management: Serve as the dedicated single point of contact for key accounts (e.g., One Day Only and major retailers). Handle product sign-offs, external communications, and rapid pricing requests.


• Marketplace Strategy: Oversee listings, pricing, promotions, and sponsored ads across major e-commerce platforms (Takealot, Amazon), briefing execution teams on product updates.


• Supply Chain & Logistics: Manage container planning, shipping, airfreight, and labeling compliance while working closely with our buy plan.


• Commercial Forecasting: Analyze sales performance to make smart stock replenishment and container order decisions.

What We Are Looking For

Experience & Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum 3 years of experience as an Import Merchandiser or Junior Import Merchandiser. (Candidates from top-tier, high-volume environments will be considered with 1+ years of experience).


• Industry Focus: Prior experience in the homeware sector is strongly preferred (fashion buying/merchandising background with transferable skills will also be considered).


• Private Label Expertise: Proven track record in developing private label products from concept to final delivery.


• Education: A qualification in Fashion Buying & Merchandising (e.g., BA from LISOF, FEDISA, Stadio, etc.), Consumer Sciences (e.g., UP/Tuks), or a background in Procurement/Commercial fields.

Core Skills & Attributes:

• Unmatched Attention to Detail & Memory: Exceptional precision and high-level recall for tracking multiple supplier specs, pricing, and orders simultaneously.


• Spatial & Product Awareness: Strong abstract reasoning and 3D spatial visualization for evaluating sample accuracy and product design.


• Strong Negotiation & Firmness: Customer-facing confidence to hold your ground with suppliers on pricing and MOQs while maintaining warm, professional relationships.


• Type A Organization & Problem-Solving: Highly organized, proactive, and able to think on your feet to resolve supply chain challenges independently.


• Bonus Skill: Experience with basic graphic design (packaging design or Takealot/retailer listing images) is a strong plus!

Why Join Us?

• Career Growth: We actively invest in long-term succession planning- this role is structured to help you grow into a Product Development Manager or Brand Manager.


• Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive, cross-functional team where your ideas and quick execution make a direct impact.