Product Designer and Buyer

Organisation Name: Cosmic Fashion Options (PTY) Ltd

Department: Marketing

Physical Address: 23 Quark Crescent Linbro Business Park Sandton, 2196

Contact: Karen Magill/Carryn Yates

Reports to: Senior Buyer / Managing Director

Position type Type: Full Time

Working hours:  Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 16:15.

Salary: R25 000 - R30 000 per month

About Us:

Cosmic Fashion Options is South Africa’s leading importer and distributor of fashion and beauty accessories. We supply major national retailers with trend-driven, high-volume ranges across hair accessories, gift items, seasonal apparel, grooming, and beauty products.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and trend-focused Buyer with a flair for intermediate graphic design. This hybrid role combines product sourcing and range building with hands-on design responsibilities, including CAD creation, packaging layout, and marketing visuals.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in bringing fast fashion concepts to life -- from product to shelf.

Key Responsibilities:

Buying & Product Development:

• Identify and source fast-moving fashion accessories, gift items, and beauty tools aligned with seasonal trends and retailer strategies.
• Build product ranges tailored to different retail formats and target markets.
• Manage critical paths, pricing, MOQ negotiations, and order timelines with overseas suppliers.
• Monitor sales, react to performance, and initiate repeat or markdown strategies.

Design & Visual Communication:

• Create clear and accurate product CADs and mock-ups for presentation and development.
• Design packaging artwork (hang tags, header cards, blister packs, etc.) in accordance with retailer guidelines and brand positioning.
• Assist in the design of marketing materials and lookbooks for internal and clientfacing use.
• Ensure consistency in branding, tone, and layout across product lines and categories.

Trend & Market Research:

• Analyse local and international markets for trend direction and competitor activity.
• Interpret seasonal trends into commercial product ideas, including moodboards and colour palettes.
• Present concept and range boards to senior management and retail buyers.

Requirments:

Skills & Experience:

3+ years’ experience in retail buying or product development in fashion (preferential).

• Intermediate graphic design experience in Adobe Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
• Strong commercial eye with a deep understanding of trend application in a mass retail context.
• Experience working with Chinese suppliers and managing import timelines and costing.
• Excellent presentation, planning, and communication skills.

Software Proficiency:

• Adobe Illustrator - Essential for product CADs and tech packs.
• Photoshop - Retouching, marketing visuals, and mock-ups.
• InDesign - Layouts for presentations, catalogues, and lookbooks.
• Excel - Budgeting, costing sheets, and order tracking.

Qualities:

• Strong sense of urgency and attention to detail.
• Flexible and fast-thinking - able to pivot based on trends or retailer needs.
• Creative and analytical mindset - balancing design with commercial acumen.
• Team player who thrives in a deadline-driven, trend-conscious environment.