Senior Buyer: Footwear & Accessories – Old Khaki

An exciting opportunity exists for a highly experienced, trend-driven and commercially astute Senior Buyer to lead the Footwear & Accessories portfolio within the Old Khaki brand. This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong product vision, proven leadership capability, and the ability to deliver a differentiated, customer-relevant and profitable product offering across both categories.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Range Development & Product Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of a commercially compelling and brand-aligned footwear and accessories strategy.
• Own the end-to-end product lifecycle, from concept and briefing through to final delivery, ensuring best-in-class product execution.
• Translate global and local trends, customer insights, and market intelligence into clear, actionable range strategies.
• Drive innovation within the category, continuously identifying opportunities to elevate product, design, and sourcing approaches.

Supplier Strategy & Sourcing Excellence

• Establish and lead strategic partnerships with key local and international suppliers to drive innovation, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Lead supplier negotiations to optimize pricing, margins, and delivery performance while maintaining product integrity.
• Oversee supplier performance, ensuring alignment with business standards, compliance requirements, and delivery timelines.
• Identify and onboard new suppliers to strengthen the sourcing network and support long-term growth.

Commercial Ownership & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner closely with Merchandise Planning to define and manage OTB, ensuring alignment to financial targets and trading strategies.
• Take ownership of category performance, using data-driven insights to inform in-season trading decisions and maximize profitability.
• Lead and present seasonal range reviews and product strategies to senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Marketing and E-commerce to ensure cohesive product storytelling and optimal online execution.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to junior buying team members, fostering capability development and high performance.

Performance Management & Continuous Improvement

• Drive strong trading performance through proactive analysis of sell-through, margin, and stock management.
• Oversee product quality and ensure robust QA processes are in place, resolving issues efficiently.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to enhance processes, systems, and product outcomes.
• Maintain a strong presence in stores and the market to remain closely connected to the customer and trading environment.

Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications

• Relevant Retail Diploma/Degree (or equivalent).
• 5–8+ years’ buying experience, with proven success in footwear and/or accessories at a senior level.
• Demonstrated experience in leading product development and working with international supply chains.
• Strong commercial acumen with deep understanding of costings, margin management, and sourcing strategies.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to influence, mentor, and drive performance.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally and internationally.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and conceptual capability.
• Passion for product, with a strong eye for trend and brand alignment.
• Influential communicator with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Results-driven, resilient, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage complexity and multiple priorities.
• Collaborative leader who drives alignment across cross-functional teams.
• Confident presenter with the ability to engage and influence at a senior level.

Employment Equity

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