Buyer (Clothing)

Closing Date
2024/02/27
- Reference Number
SHO240220-2
- Job Title
Buyer (Clothing)
- Job Type
Permanent
- Location - Country
South Africa
- Location - Province
Western Cape
- Location - Town or City
Brackenfell, Cape Town
- Purpose of the Job

Join our dynamic retail team and contribute to the growth of a clothing brand that prides itself on providing stylish, high-quality apparel to our diverse customer base. Our brand is dedicated to inspiring customers through a unique combination of product and creativity.
As a buyer, you will play a crucial role in shaping our collections and ensuring our offerings meet and exceed customer expectations. The buyer is responsible for developing, selecting, and purchasing apparel that align with the brand, target market, and sales strategy.
The position requires an individual with a keen eye for trends, a strong understanding of the target market, and the ability to negotiate and manage relationships with suppliers. We are seeking a passionate and trend-savvy individual to join our apparel team and help us maintain a competitive edge in the fast-paced world of fashion retail.
- Job Advert Details
- Job Category
Other
- Job Objectives

Market Research and Trend Analysis: Stay abreast of the latest fashion trends and industry developments. Conduct market research to understand competitor offerings and consumer preferences.
Collection Development: Collaborate with the design team to identify the season’s theme, colour palette, and fabric selection.
Product Selection and Purchasing: Develop and select product that align with the brand’s identity, quality standards, and price points. Ensure a balanced and tasteful product selection assortment that caters to various customer needs and preferences.
Pricing Strategy: Set competitive prices and tier product accordingly that align with the brand and market positioning.
Supplier and Critical Path Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers. Negotiate prices and deliveries to ensure the best outcome. Continuously evaluate their performance in terms of quality, on-time delivery, and pricing. Manage the critical path and timelines of the product development process with suppliers to ensure on time deliveries.
Sales Analysis: Work closely with the planning team to analyse sales data, identify best-sellers, and underperforming lines. Use this data to adjust buying strategies and make informed decisions for future buys.
Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with the planning, design, sourcing, and marketing team to ensure a cohesive and strategic approach to buying and product launch plans. Communicate effectively with team members and external partners.
Sustainability Focus: Align with our commitment to environmental responsibility, driving sustainable fabrics.
- Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Clothing Management or Fashion Design.
- Experience

Proven experience as a clothing buyer in the fashion industry, with a strong track record of successful buying strategies and supplier management.
- Knowledge and Skills

Strategic Thinking and Analytical Skills: Competence in analysing sales data and market trends to make informed buying decisions. Ability to evaluate product performance and adjust buying strategies accordingly.
Creativity and Vision: Creative thinking to envision your range and how it adheres to the brand and target market. A keen eye for design and attentional to detail, understanding how different product attributes can appeal to different customers.
Fashion and Product Knowledge: Deep understanding of fashion trends, fabrics, and garment construction. Knowledgeable about competitive landscape and customer preferences. Ability to balance product quality with cost efficiency to maximise profitability.
Negotiation and Supplier Management: Strong negotiation skills to secure the best prices, quality, and delivery from suppliers. Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with suppliers.
Decision Making: Capability to make timeously, effective decisions regarding product selection and purchasing. Ability to weigh the potential risks and benefits of buying decisions.
Organisational and Time Management Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, prioritising effectively to meet deadlines and objectives.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changing trends and market demands and adjust buying strategies accordingly. Flexibility to travel and work irregular hours when necessary.
Problem-Solving Skills: Effective problem-solving skills to address challenges that arise in the buying process, from supplier issues to stock management.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with team members and suppliers. Ability to work effectively within a team and across departments.