HEAD OF BUYING

Job Description

The Head of Buying will oversee the comprehensive merchandise and buying strategy for a fashion-led women’s retail business encompassing clothing, footwear, accessories, and beauty. This leadership position is responsible for translating customer insights, fashion trends, and commercial data into a compelling, relevant, and profitable product proposition.

Key Responsibilities

• Define the Buying & Merchandise Strategy
• Lead Range & Assortment Strategy
• Drive Commercial & Trading Performance
• Shape sourcing, supplier, and value management
• Build, lead and develop a high-performing buying team
• Be a key strategic partner to the business leadership team and other business stakeholders.
• Lead Commercial Decision-Making Through Data & Insight

Qualifications

A relevant tertiary qualification in Fashion, Clothing Production, Product Development, Merchandising, Retail, business management, or a related field is preferred. Matric/Grade 12 is essential.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Approximately 8 years’ experience in merchandising within fashion, apparel, footwear, or a comparable multi-category retail environment. A minimum of 5 years of experience in women's fashion/ladies' wear.
• At least 3 years’ experience in a senior management role with accountability for leading and developing teams.
• Demonstrated experience owning or materially shaping a buying strategy and translating it into measurable commercial outcomes.
• Strong end-to-end understanding of the clothing retail cycle and the relationship between buying, planning, sourcing, supply, and trading.
• Experience in a multi-store retail environment; omnichannel/e-commerce exposure is highly advantageous.
• Strong analytical capability and confidence working with merchandise systems, reporting, and commercial data.
• Buying strategy, range building, and assortment planning.
• Strong knowledge of women’s fashion trends and customer behavior.
• Understanding of trend forecasting and translating trends into commercial product.
• Sales, margin, and profitability management.
• Open-to-Buy (OTB) principles and merchandise budgeting
• Local and international sourcing principles.
• Supplier selection, negotiation and performance management
• Leading senior buying and merchandising teams.
• Performance management and accountability