An exciting opportunity exists for a trend‑driven and commercially focused Footwear & Accessories Buyer within our Old Khaki team. We’re looking for an innovative Buyer with strong product development capability, excellent supplier management skills, and a passion for building a relevant and profitable range across both footwear and accessories.

Key Responsibilities

Range Building & Product Development

• Source, develop, and deliver a commercially strong footwear and accessories assortment for Old Khaki.
• Support the execution of seasonal strategies, ensuring alignment with brand DNA and customer needs.
• Manage the end‑to‑end product development process, including briefs, sampling, approvals, and quality checks.
• Conduct ongoing trend, market and competitor research (local + international) to inform range direction.

Supplier & Sourcing Management

• Build and manage strong relationships with local, international, and branded suppliers.
• Participate in supplier negotiations to achieve competitive pricing, quality, and delivery reliability.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure adherence to company terms, standards, and timelines.
• Ensure all own‑brand product meets South African compliance and import requirements.

Commercial & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Merchandise Planning to manage OTB, stock levels, and profitable in‑season actions.
• Prepare and support range reviews, product presentations, and seasonal strategy discussions.
• Collaborate with E‑commerce to ensure product imagery, copy, and information are optimized for online selling.
• Support the creation of marketing briefs and ensure alignment on seasonal product stories.
• Conduct regular store visits to understand customer needs and identify opportunities.

Product Lifecycle & Performance

• Monitor sell‑through, margin performance, and stock movement to drive informed in‑season decisions.
• Support quality assurance, including testing and resolving any product issues.
• Provide product knowledge support to stores when required.

Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications

• Grade 12 and a relevant Retail Diploma/Degree.
• 3–5 years’ experience as a Buyer or Assistant Buyer, ideally across footwear and/or accessories.
• Strong experience in product development and working with international suppliers (advantageous).
• Strong commercial acumen with a solid understanding of costings, margins, pricing structures, and sourcing.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally and internationally.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking ability.
• Passion for footwear, accessories, and trend‑driven categories.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Proactive, solutions‑orientated, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Team‑player who can influence and collaborate across departments.
• Confident presenter with the ability to convey product insights clearly.

Employment Equity

Cape Union Mart is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates who support the achievement of our Employment Equity objectives.