Men’s Senior Buyer

Cape Union Mart Group; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading outdoor clothing retailer is seeking a resilient Senior Buyer to manage procurement for the Men’s K-WAY apparel department. The role involves negotiating contracts, managing product quality, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates should have significant retail buying experience, strong decision-making skills, and a passion for outdoor lifestyles. This position is located in South Africa, Wes-Kaap.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ retail merchandise buying experience.
• At least 2 years’ buying experience in product development.
• In-depth knowledge of the retail product life cycle.

Responsibilities

• Manage critical path for internal reviews and manufacturing.
• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts and pricing.
• Oversee product quality, fit, and seal process.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Trend analysis

Communication skills

Decision-making

Education

Grade 12 certificate

Relevant tertiary qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

RMS

PLM

Job description

An opportunity has become available in our Outdoor Clothing Department for a resilient, innovative and resourceful Senior Buyer. The role requires someone who is able to travel and work with our local and international factories to build and procure ranges for the Men’s K-WAY apparel department.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage critical path for internal reviews and manufacturing (local and international).
• Manage OTB by trading successful styles, discontinuing and negotiating non-performing styles.
• Execute ranges in alignment with strategy and range science.
• Apply value engineering across categories.
• Present confidently to peers and leaders.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts, pricing, and deliveries.
• Collaborate effectively with relevant stakeholders and departments, driving cross-functional alignment.
• Oversee product quality, fit, and seal process.
• Manage and guide a Buyer’s Assistant.
• Attend tradeshows and conferences to stay abreast of industry trends.
• Handle general buying administrative functions.

Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications Required

• Grade 12 certificate and a relevant tertiary qualification.
• Driver’s license.
• Minimum 5 years’ retail merchandise buying experience.
• At least 2 years’ buying experience in product development.
• In-depth knowledge of the retail product life cycle, buying principles, and critical path.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office packages.
• RMS and PLM experience will be an advantage.

Job-Related Competencies

• Passion for technical product and the outdoor lifestyle.
• Ability to adapt trends to different target markets.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Trend analysis and interpretation ability.
• Sound decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Strong trader mentality.
• Proven strategic thinking capability.
• Relationship-building skills across all levels and functions.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent organizing, planning, and time management skills.
• Agility and resilience to maintain high levels of drive and initiative under pressure.

Please note:

The Cape Union Mart Group is committed to transformation. Appointments and promotions will be made based on candidates who best meet the requirements for the position. Preference will be given to candidates who will enhance the diversity of the team, in line with our Employment Equity plan.