Junior Product Developer

Smd Technologies; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

SMD Technologies is seeking a commercially minded Junior Product Developer to identify, source, develop, launch and grow product ranges across educational toys and related categories. You will work with our China team and international suppliers to bring products to market and manage category performance post-launch.

The role combines product development, sourcing, category management and retail sales in a hands-on, high-growth environment suitable for someone early in their buying or product

Qualifications

• 2–3 years' experience in a Junior Buyer role within a retail, wholesale, or FMCG environment.
• Proven experience managing the buying cycle and working directly with suppliers/factories.
• Strong commercial and negotiation instincts, with a track record of managing supplier relationships.
• Own reliable vehicle and valid driver''s licence; regular travel to client and store visits required.
• Strong Excel skills and comfort with costings, margins, and basic landed-cost calculations.

Responsibilities

• Identify new products, categories and market gaps, and recommend commercially viable opportunities for SMD to pursue.
• Develop and grow existing categories by identifying new products, channels, customers and range-extension opportunities.
• Work directly with SMD''s China team and international suppliers on product sourcing, specifications, samples, pricing, packaging and order follow-up.
• Develop and manage product ranges from concept through to listing and launch, including costing, pricing, positioning and range architecture.
• Raise and manage purchase orders (POs), tracking lead times, deposits and delivery schedules.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with retail buyers and category managers across large retail groups, independent stores and other relevant channels.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier relationships

Excel

Costings

Travel

Retail support

Education

BCom degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Title: Junior Product Developer

Location: 2 Lascelles Road, Meadowbrook, Edenvale

Hours: 08:00 - 17:00 weekdays

Reporting to: HOD

About the Company

SMD Technologies is a leading distributor of consumer electronics and technology products in South Africa. We are committed to delivering exceptional service, innovative solutions, and strong partnerships with our customers. Our people are at the heart of our success, and we are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Sales Administrator to join our team.

Job Overview

SMD is looking for a commercially minded Junior Product Developer to help identify, source, develop, launch and grow product ranges across educational toys and related categories. The role combines product development, sourcing, category management and retail sales. The successful candidate will identify market opportunities, work with our China team and international suppliers to develop commercially viable products, take new ranges to retail buyers, and remain accountable for category performance after launch. This is a hands‑on, high‑growth role suited to someone early in their buying or product career who wants broader commercial ownership.

Key Responsibilities

• 1. Identify new products, categories and market gaps, and recommend commercially viable opportunities for SMD to pursue.
• 2. Develop and grow existing categories by identifying new products, channels, customers and range‑extension opportunities.
• 3. Work directly with SMD's China team and international suppliers on product sourcing, specifications, samples, pricing, packaging and order follow‑up.
• 4. Develop and manage product ranges from concept through to listing and launch, including costing, pricing, positioning and range architecture.
• 5. Raise and manage purchase orders (POs), tracking lead times, deposits and delivery schedules.
• 6. Build and maintain strong working relationships with retail buyers and category managers across large retail groups, independent stores and other relevant channels.
• 7. Prepare and pitch product proposals, range presentations, line sheets and sell‑in materials to retail buyers and customers.
• 8. Work with retail buyers on range planning, listings, promotional calendars and opportunities to grow sell‑through.
• 9. Meet regularly with Product Managers, Account Managers and Key Account Managers to review sales, customer feedback, opportunities and category performance.
• 10. Track product and category performance after launch, including sell‑through, account growth and under‑performing lines, and recommend corrective actions.
• 11. Plan retailer promotions and coordinate promoter and in‑store activity with Retail Dynamics and relevant internal teams.
• 12. Monitor competitor ranges, pricing, retail trends and emerging consumer demand to inform product and sourcing decisions.
• 13. Work closely with Operations to ensure smooth handover from PO placement through to landed stock and market launch.
• 14. Prepare product and category performance updates for quarterly board meetings, highlighting sales performance, opportunities, risks and next actions.
• 15. Research relevant trade shows, exhibitions, conventions and sourcing opportunities across South Africa and internationally where commercially appropriate.

Minimum Requirements

• 2–3 years' experience in a Junior Buyer role within a retail, wholesale, or FMCG environment.
• Proven experience managing the buying cycle and working directly with suppliers/factories.
• Strong commercial and negotiation instincts, with a track record of managing supplier relationships.
• Excellent relationship‑building and interpersonal skills — confident engaging with retail buyers and independent store owners alike.
• Own reliable vehicle and valid driver's licence (essential — regular travel to client and store visits required).
• Strong Excel skills and comfort working with costings, margins, and basic landed‑cost calculations.

Advantageous

• Experience buying or developing ranges in the toys and/or educational toys category.
• A BCom degree or equivalent tertiary qualification.
• Exposure to importing, customs, or international supplier sourcing (China or other manufacturing hubs).

SMD Technologies is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles of employment equity. In accordance with the Company's Employment Equity Plan and the requirements of the Employment Equity Act, preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups. Applications from persons with disabilities are encouraged.