Reports to:  Head of Product & Merchandising
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly driven, commercially astute, and detail-oriented Fashion Accessories Buyer to join our buying and product development team. This role is suited to a confident individual with strong analytical and administrative capability, a hands-on approach to execution, and the willingness to travel internationally.
The successful candidate will manage the end-to-end buying, sourcing, and development of fashion accessory ranges across hair, beauty, gifting, and promotional accessory categories, ensuring all products are trend-relevant, commercially viable, and operationally sound from concept through to store execution.
Key Responsibilities:
Range Planning, Buying & Product Development

Research and interpret global and local fashion trends, colours, materials, and concepts relevant to South African and export markets.
Develop and manage seasonal and promotional accessory ranges aligned to brand strategy, margin targets, and customer demand.
Brief, develop, and approve products with international suppliers, ensuring quality standards, cost competitiveness, and delivery timelines are met.
Conduct competitor, market, and sales analysis to inform buying decisions and identify growth opportunities.
Identify repeat opportunities, core lines, and newness to ensure balanced and profitable assortments.

Supplier & International Sourcing Management:

Source, negotiate, and manage local and international suppliers, focusing on pricing, lead times, MOQs, and quality compliance.
Travel internationally for factory visits, sourcing trips, and trade fairs to develop product and maintain supplier relationships.
Evaluate supplier performance, implement corrective actions, and maintain accurate costing, approvals, and supplier records.
Liaise closely with logistics and imports teams to track production and shipment progress.

Buying Administration, Indent & Program Support:

Support the Director and Category Buyer on all indent and new business programs, from initial concept through to in-store execution.
Coordinate design briefs, artworks, packaging details, approvals, volumes, timelines, and production schedules.
Monitor manufacturing processes, shipment timelines, and critical-path milestones, particularly for high-volume or high-visibility promotions.
Work with external partners such as SARU, Gallo, Pick n Pay, and other collaborators to ensure accurate and timely information flow.
Ensure merchandising guidelines, FSUs, clip strips, and display instructions are clearly communicated and correctly executed in-store.
Oversee store delivery roll-out plans and support logistics coordination for DC deliveries.
Manage and resolve post-launch queries, including shortages, complaints, quality issues, and operational challenges.
Maintain a comprehensive operational file for each project, including costings, timelines, risks, approvals, and performance reviews.

 
Performance Analysis & Cross-Functional Collaboration
 

Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring accuracy across costs, quantities, specifications, and delivery dates.
Analyse sales, margin, and stock performance to identify opportunities, risks, and corrective actions.
Partner with merchandising, planning, marketing, and sales teams to align product launches and promotional activity.
Present product performance insights and future buying recommendations in weekly and seasonal meetings.
Provide product knowledge and execution support to internal teams to ensure consistent brand representation