Product Developer

Hire Resolve; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent retail firm in Gauteng seeks a Product Developer to source and manage product ranges. Key responsibilities include developing new products, managing supplier relationships, and analyzing sales performance. The ideal candidate has experience in a retail environment, strong analytical & negotiation skills, and a relevant degree. The client offers competitive compensation. Contact Gaby Turner for application details.

Qualifications

• Experience in product development, buying, or procurement within a retail environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and forecast demand.
• Proven ability to negotiate with suppliers and manage vendor relationships.
• Experience working with inventory management systems and stock control processes.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross‑functionally.
• Customer‑focused with awareness of market trends and product opportunities.
• Strong communication and project management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify emerging market trends and customer needs.
• Source and develop new products for launch.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers.
• Track product performance and refine strategies based on results.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers; evaluate performance.
• Negotiate agreements to create long-term value for both parties.
• Develop and implement buying strategies to support sales growth.
• Analyse sales performance and customer trends to identify product opportunities.
• Collaborate with Marketing to plan and execute promotional campaigns.
• Negotiate favourable terms with suppliers and monitor pricing, delivery, and payment terms.
• Monitor cost structures and adjust pricing or sourcing strategies.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising product quality or value.
• Forecast demand and monitor stock levels to prevent supply gaps.
• Optimize inventory levels to balance availability and stock holding costs.
• Monitor inventory turnover and reorder cycles; improve lead times with Supply Chain.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliable replenishment.

Skills

Product development

Analytical skills

Supplier relationship management

Negotiation skills

Collaboration

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Negotiation

Forecasting

Project management

Stock control

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Consumer Science, Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, or a related field

Tools

Inventory management systems

Job description

The largest online flower and gift retailer is looking for a Product Developer to join their team in Johannesburg, GP.

In this role, you will be responsible for sourcing, selecting, purchasing, and managing product ranges that excite customers, drive sales growth, and maintain strong margins. You will work closely with suppliers and cross‑functional teams to ensure the right products are available at the right price, in the right quantities, and at the right time.

This role requires a strong balance of commercial thinking, analytical ability, and supplier relationship management.

Key Responsibilities

New Product Introduction

• Identify emerging market trends and customer needs
• Source and develop new products for launch
• Work with Marketing and internal teams to execute successful product launches
• Track product performance and refine strategies based on results

Vendor Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers
• Evaluate vendor performance and resolve issues proactively
• Negotiate agreements that create long‑term value for both parties

Drive Sales Growth

• Develop and implement buying strategies to support sales growth in assigned categories
• Analyse sales performance and customer trends to identify product opportunities
• Collaborate with Marketing to plan and execute promotional campaigns

Maintain Healthy Profit Margins

• Negotiate favourable terms with suppliers (pricing, delivery, payment terms)
• Monitor cost structures and adjust pricing or sourcing strategies where required
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities without compromising product quality or value

Manage Inventory Effectively

• Optimise inventory levels to balance availability and stock holding costs
• Monitor inventory turnover and reorder cycles using inventory management systems
• Work with Supply Chain to improve lead times and replenishment processes
• Forecast demand and monitor stock levels to prevent supply gaps
• Maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliable replenishment
• Support best practices in stock management and inventory accuracy

Requirements

• Experience in product development, buying, or procurement within a retail environment
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and forecast demand
• Proven ability to negotiate with suppliers and manage vendor relationships
• Experience working with inventory management systems and stock control processes
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross‑functionally
• Customer‑focused with a strong awareness of market trends and product opportunities
• Strong communication and project management skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Consumer Science, Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, or a related field preferred

Contact Hire Resolve for your next career‑changing move. Our client is offering a highly competitive salary for this role based on experience. Apply for this role today, contact Gaby Turner at [e-mail] or on LinkedIn. You can also visit the Hire Resolve website: hireresolve.us or email us your CV: it [e-mail]