Senior Buyer: Menswear - Old Khaki at Cape Union Mart

Job Description

• An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and commercially astute Senior Buyer: Menswear to join the Old Khaki team. This role is pivotal in shaping and delivering a compelling menswear range that is trend‑relevant, customer‑focused, and profitable. The Senior Buyer will lead range strategy, product development, and supplier relationships while partnering closely with Planning, Design, Marketing, and E‑commerce to drive business growth.

Key Responsibilities
Range Strategy & Product Leadership

• Own and drive the end‑to‑end menswear buying strategy, ensuring alignment with Old Khaki’s brand DNA and customer profile.
• Build balanced, trend‑driven and commercially sound ranges across key menswear categories.
• Translate customer insights, sales performance, and global trends into clear range direction and briefs.
• Lead seasonal range reviews and present product strategies to senior stakeholders.

Product Development & Sourcing

• Oversee the full product development lifecycle, from initial concept and briefing through to sampling, approvals, and final delivery.
• Work closely with local and international suppliers to deliver innovation, quality, and value.
• Ensure all products meet company quality standards, compliance requirements, and ethical sourcing guidelines.

Commercial Management

• Partner with Merchandise Planning to manage OTB, margins, pricing architecture, and stock depth.
• Analyse sales, sell‑through, and category performance to drive effective in‑season actions and post‑season learnings.
• Identify opportunities for growth, margin improvement, and risk mitigation within the menswear portfolio.

Supplier & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships, including negotiation of cost prices, MOQs, lead times, and exclusivity.
• Monitor supplier performance and proactively address any risks related to delivery, quality, or cost.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Design, Marketing, E‑commerce, and Stores to ensure strong execution and storytelling.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Provide guidance, coaching, and development support to Buyers and/or Assistant Buyers within the team.
• Contribute to team capability building and continuous improvement across the buying function.

Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications

• Relevant Retail, Fashion, or Business qualification.
• 5–8 years’ buying experience, with a strong focus on menswear (senior or lead buyer experience preferred).
• Proven experience in range building, product development, and working with international suppliers.
• Strong commercial acumen, including costings, margin management, and pricing strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable decisions.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally and internationally.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strategic, forward‑thinking, and customer‑centric mindset.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation abilities.
• Organised, resilient, and comfortable operating in a fast‑paced retail environment.
• Passion for menswear, product, and fashion‑led retail.