Sourcing Specialist - Apparel

Job Advert Summary

Join Woolworths, a leading South African brand committed to innovation, sustainability, and transformation, as a Sourcing Specialist based in Cape Town, Western Cape. In this pivotal role within our Fashion, Beauty, and Home division, you will drive supplier strategy, manage supplier performance, and lead cost negotiations to achieve financial KPIs.

You will engage with suppliers throughout the season to ensure on-time, full deliveries and oversee capacity planning. Ideal candidates have 8+ years' experience in buying, sourcing, or technical retail within clothing, a relevant degree or diploma, strong negotiation skills, and commercial acumen. Enjoy a dynamic environment that values data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement. Apply now to be part of a company dedicated to quality, sustainability, and growth.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 8 years' experience in buying, sourcing, or technical retail within the clothing industry.
• Relevant business degree or diploma in Textiles, Fashion, Clothing Product Management, or related field.
• Strong negotiation skills with proven success in supplier negotiations and cost management.
• Comprehensive understanding of the international and South African clothing markets and supply chain logistics.
• Demonstrated ability to manage supplier relationships, order/contract management, and capacity planning.
• Excellent commercial acumen with experience in project management and multi-season planning.
• Data-driven decision-making skills with strong analytical and numerical capabilities.
• Proficiency in cross-functional collaboration, communication, and stakeholder engagement.
• Customer-centric mindset with results orientation and sound judgment skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally and internationally as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing and supplier strategies aligned with business objectives in Fashion, Beauty, and Home categories.
• Manage supplier performance through regular analysis of scorecards, addressing quality, delivery, innovation, and sustainability metrics.
• Lead supplier negotiations to achieve financial KPIs, ensuring competitive pricing and cost-effective sourcing solutions.
• Coordinate capacity planning and order management to guarantee on-time, full deliveries throughout the season.
• Conduct supplier engagement and communication, including onboarding, performance reviews, and issue resolution.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Planning, Buying, and Design teams to align product category strategies and supply chain logistics.
• Oversee product costing processes in partnership with Technical Product Development to ensure accurate price analysis.
• Monitor compliance with sustainability and ethical standards across all suppliers.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying new supplier opportunities and mitigating supply risks.
• Support project management activities, managing multiple seasons and priorities to meet critical business deadlines.