Buyer: Beauty at Ackermans

• We’re on the hunt for a Beauty Buyer—a trendsetter, analytical guru, and all-round beauty enthusiast to join our squad. Your passion for beauty products, coupled with your sharp eye for trends and market insights, is exactly what we’re looking for. If you’re ready to bring your A-game and make an impact on the world of retail, hit that apply button now!

KNOWLEDGE required:

• Knowledge of SA’s retail cosmetic & beauty market, customers and competitors, an understanding of the Retail Cycle, critical path & buying process
• Understanding of relevant trends with a flair/eye for acceptable product for your target market
• Relevant product knowledge with regards to styling and constructions and an understanding of product components
• Experience building ranges in Beauty departments
• Sound ability to analyse and work with numerical data
• Merchant skills & a sound trader mentality

Formulation Development

• Ingredient Knowledge: Understanding the properties, benefits, and interactions of various cosmetic ingredients
• Chemical Formulation: The knowledge of emulsification, pH balance, and viscosity adjustments
• Safety and Stability Testing
• Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with cosmetic regulations and standards
• Sensory Evaluation: Assessing the sensory attributes of products

Product Packaging

• Material Science: Knowledge of different packaging materials (e.g., plastics, glass, metals) and their properties
• Packaging Design: Knowledge in guiding functional and aesthetically pleasing packaging that protects the product and enhances user experience
• Sustainability Practices: Knowledge of sustainable packaging solutions, such as recyclable or biodegradable materials, to meet environmental standards and consumer preferences
• Cost Analysis: Evaluating the costs and benefits of different packaging options to ensure cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
• Regulatory Standards: Ensuring packaging complies with regulatory requirements for labeling, safety, and environmental impact

SKILLS required:

• A sound ability to analyse and work with numerical data
• Merchant skills and a sound trader mentality
• Presentation skills
• A passion for keeping up to date with the latest trends, styles, colours
• Is competent in all the latest Microsoft applications
• Identify, distinguish, understand and assess colours, CAD approvals and strike offs engineer products to achieve the desired value proposition
• Understand and interpret trends relevant to the product category
• Create a shared vision and to positively influence others
• Build beauty / cosmetic ranges
• Communicate effectively at all levels both within, as well as outside the company
• Build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers
• Effectively negotiate and secure win-win agreements with others

Essential:

• 5+ years in the procurement of Beauty products

Qualification:

• A Grade 12 Certificate/Matric
• A relevant qualification in Fashion Design, Textile Design / Clothing Production / Product Development /Merchandising or a related field would be an advantage