Buyer

Head Office | Cape Town
Cape Union Mart

An exciting opportunity has become available at our Head Office in Cape Town for an experienced Buyer within the Travel and Commute Division. The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing, developing and managing a compelling range of own brand products as well as managing a wide assortment of branded accessories.

Key to the success of this department is maintaining and growing current supplier and brand partnerships while driving commercial performance and on-time market delivery.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Source, develop and maintain a commercially strong own-brand product range across a variety of accessory categories
• Develop ranges and manage relationships with external global brands
• Oversee all buying administration within the department
• Work closely with the Merchandise Planner to manage Open-to-Buy (OTB)
• Prepare and present range reviews to management
• Ensure all product imagery is available and suitable for E-commerce
• Own and manage marketing briefs, ensuring relevant and appropriate products are presented
• Stay abreast of local and global consumer product trends
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure on-time product launches in line with internal critical paths and market release dates
• Deliver a commercially sound range that meets quality standards, customer needs and product trends
• Ensure product pricing is:
• In line with market expectations for branded products
• Within gross profit targets and pricing policy
• Ensure new and replenishment products are delivered on time for the season
• Conduct and present competitor analysis at least once per season
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities
• Select, source and manage reliable suppliers
• Negotiate rebate agreements with external suppliers and ensure timely payout
• Minimise risk by monitoring high-risk suppliers (delivery, quality, reliability)
• Maintain and improve supplier relationships, ensuring adherence to company terms
• Follow up on orders to ensure on-time delivery
• Work with relevant authorities to ensure products meet South African consumer standards, including import compliance
• Ensure all products are properly tested prior to market launch
• Conduct store visits, engaging with managers, staff and customers to understand needs and opportunities
• Coordinate product training for store teams to support sell-through
• Monitor stock levels and customer profiles to inform buying decisions

Knowledge, Experience and Qualifications

• Grade 12, with a Diploma or Degree in Retail or a relevant field
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a retail Buyer
• Proven experience in:
• Product development
• Working with international brands and their merchandise/marketing teams
• Solid understanding of the product lifecycle
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to calculate margins, pricing and key buying metrics quickly and accurately
• Willingness and ability to travel locally and internationally

Job-Related Behavioural Competencies

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Passion for electronics, gadgets and emerging categories
• Excellent time management, with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to clearly and concisely articulate issues and solutions
• Proactive, self-motivated and able to take initiative, particularly in new or evolving areas
• Effective team player who is also capable of working independently
• Strong relationship-building skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities

Employment Equity

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