Senior Buyer Footwear & Accessories: The Fix

The Buyer III is responsible for driving the selection and sourcing of trend-driven clothing and accessories that align with brand strategy and customer expectations. This role oversees market analysis, supplier negotiations, and product assortment planning to maximize sales and profitability. With a strategic mindset and strong leadership skills, the Buyer III also mentors junior team members and collaborates closely with key stakeholders to ensure a competitive and compelling product offering.

• Successfully source/develop/procure/select merchandise in line with company strategy and customer needs.
• Drive Supplier relationships and targets
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of the business plan
• Work closely with the planner, through analysis of previous sales patterns, market trends and brand initiatives.
• Formulate departmental strategies to maximize sales, and then timeously source and secure stock to implement defined strategies.
• Negotiate effectively to deliver on and exceed business KPI’S.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with employees, suppliers, and key functions in the business.
• Contribute to growth and profit through innovative and creative ideas.
• Availability to go on buying trips (local and international).
• Understanding and delivering a clear product strategy aligned with specific store brand strategies.
• "Big Picture" thinking, whilst considering the specifics and detail.
• Drive product efficiencies and key measures.
• Solution Driven: Assess complex situations and implement workable solutions.
• Communicate and interact effectively and confidently at all levels.
• Team player and be able to foster collaboration across buying and planning functions.
• Identify and translate global trends (TikTok, streetwear, music, influencers) into The FIX product DNA
• Localise trends for the SA Gen Z customer
• Build monthly trend stories and drops
• Define key items + hero silhouettes per drop

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma, Graduate Degree, or Post Graduate Degree
• Have experience as a Buyer (4+ years essential)
• Integral understanding of the clothing retail Cycle and Buying Process
• A good working knowledge of the current computer software packages (knowledge of Excel, Word & E-mail would be preferable).
• Excellent planning, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Product development
• Uncompromising negotiation skills
• Good analytical skills
• Have a solid understanding of Quick Response model

Skills

• Quick response implementation & rules set out for each department
• Coaching and mentoring
• Planning & Organising
• Policy & Procedures
• Market Research and Analysis
• Supplier Management
• Requirements Analysis
• Global & local Sourcing

Behaviours

• Builds Networks - establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships in order to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships
• Collaborates - effectively works with others to achieve shared goals
• Communicates Effectively - conveys information and communicates ideas in a clear, concise and impactful manner
• Customer Focus - understands, anticipates, and meets the needs and expectations of customers
• Ensures Accountability - takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets
• Manages Complexity - interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems
• Persuades - effectively influences others by gaining support and commitment in the delivery of organisational goals and objectives
• Plans and Aligns - develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives