Cape Town Region: Senior Buyer: Footwear & Accessories – Old Khaki posted by Cape Union Mart International Ltd

Senior Buyer: Footwear & Accessories Old Khaki An exciting opportunity exists for a highly experienced, trend-driven and commercially astute Senior Buyer to lead the Footwear & Accessories portfolio within the Old Khaki brand. This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong product vision, proven leadership capability, and the ability to deliver a differentiated, customer-relevant and profitable product offering across both categories. Key Responsibilities Strategic Range Development & Product Leadership Lead the development and execution of a commercially compelling and brand-aligned footwear and accessories strategy. Own the end-to-end product lifecycle, from concept and briefing through to final delivery, ensuring best-in-class product execution. Translate global and local trends, customer insights, and market intelligence into clear, actionable range strategies. Drive innovation within the category, continuously identifying opportunities to elevate product, design, and sourcing approaches. Supplier Strategy & Sourcing Excellence Establish and lead strategic partnerships with key local and international suppliers to drive innovation, quality, and cost efficiency. Lead supplier negotiations to optimize pricing, margins, and delivery performance while maintaining product integrity. Oversee supplier performance, ensuring alignment with business standards, compliance requirements, and delivery timelines. Identify and onboard new suppliers to strengthen the sourcing network and support long-term growth. Commercial Ownership & Cross-Functional Leadership Partner closely with Merchandise Planning to define and manage OTB, ensuring alignment to financial targets and trading strategies. Take ownership of category performance, using data-driven insights to inform in-season trading decisions and maximize profitability. Lead and present seasonal range reviews and product strategies to senior stakeholders. Collaborate with Marketing and E-commerce to ensure cohesive product storytelling and optimal online execution. Provide leadership and mentorship to junior buying team members, fostering capability development and high performance. Performance Management & Continuous Improvement Drive strong trading performance through proactive analysis of sell-through, margin, and stock management. Oversee product quality and ensure robust QA processes are in place, resolving issues efficiently. Champion a culture of continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to enhance processes, systems, and product outcomes. Maintain a strong presence in stores and the market to remain closely connected to the customer and trading environment. Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications Relevant Retail Diploma/Degree (or equivalent). 58 years buying experience, with proven success in footwear and/or accessories at a senior level. Demonstrated experience in leading product development and working with international supply chains. Strong commercial acumen with deep understanding of costings, margin management, and sourcing strategies. Proven leadership experience with the ability to influence, mentor, and drive performance. Willingness and ability to travel locally and internationally. Behavioural Competencies Strategic thinker with strong analytical and conceptual capability. Passion for product, with a strong eye for trend and brand alignment. Influential communicator with strong stakeholder management skills. Results-driven, resilient, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment. Highly organized with the ability to manage complexity and multiple priorities. Collaborative leader who drives alignment across cross-functional teams. Confident presenter with the ability to engage and influence at a senior level. Employment Equity Cape Union Mart is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates who support the achievement of our Employment Equity objectives.