The first Woolworths store opened its doors to the public in Cape Town in October 1931. And it was founder Max Sonnenberg who captured the public’s imagination with dynamic store policies that set Woolworths apart from its competitors.
Three years later, a second branch opened in Durban, with another two in Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg a year later. And...
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To develop and deliver a profitable and customer-led Womenswear product strategy through the execution of a seasonal departmental plan. This role drives product innovation, commercial success, and alignment to business objectives by collaborating across Planning, Design, Sourcing and other key business partners.
Job description
Developing and executing a customer-led seasonal strategy aligned to key business objectives and brand positioning.
Leading range building by partnering with Design, Sourcing and Planning to deliver trend-right, profitable assortments across channels.
Leveraging insights from data, trend forecasts (e.g. EDITED, WGSN), customer analytics, and market research to inform product direction.
Overseeing the full product lifecycle, from concept development to final sign-off ensuring product quality, pricing architecture and innovation.
Conducting regular trade analysis to track product performance and implement actions that drive sales, improve margin, and manage stock health.
Collaborating with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Technical, Visual Merchandising) to ensure cohesive execution across touchpoints.
Supporting the sourcing strategy by engaging with suppliers, managing costing, and ensuring adherence to the merchandise cycle.
Mentoring and coaching Trainees & Buying Assistants, driving skills development, performance and career growth.
Fostering strong internal and external relationships to influence outcomes and enhance collaboration across the value chain.
Minimum requirements
Relevant 3-year diploma or degree
Minimum of 6–8 years’ buying experience in apparel, with at least 2 years at a senior level
Experience in managing own senior portfolio is advantageous
Ability to manage a buyer’s assistant and/or trainee
Strong commercial acumen and understanding of fashion retail
A proven track record in delivering trend-right, customer-focused ranges that drive sales and profitability
Exceptional stakeholder management, leadership and team development skills
Highly analytical, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights
Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle, sourcing, and merchandising principles
Computer literate with proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, PLM & EDITED
Excellent understanding of market, awareness of locally and international with a creative flair to interpret forthcoming moods, trends and themes
Demonstrates the ability to think strategically and formulate effective plans and strategies
Understanding of business and buying processes and systems
Retail market and industry knowledge
Knowledge of markdown and mark up pricing, visibility to drive sales, sell-through
Proven experience in delivering and executing business and BU strategy
Ability to travel both locally and internationally
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