Senior Buyer Womenswear
Woolworths City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
Qualifications
Minimum 6–8 years’ buying experience in apparel, with at least 2 years at a senior level.Experience managing a 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, PowerPoint, PLM & EDITED.Excellent understanding of market and awareness of local and international trends 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 markup pricing and visibility to drive sales and sell‑through.Proven experience in delivering and executing business and BU strategy.Ability to travel locally and internationally.Strong numerical and analytical skills.“As a proud South African brand, Woolworths is committed to transformation. Meeting our employment equity goals will be taken into account in our recruitment decisions.”
If you are interested in the above position, please send your CV to clearly stating the position you are applying for.
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