Sourcing Specialist – Apparel

About the role

Woolworths is seeking an experienced Sourcing Specialist to lead supplier strategy for its Fashion, Beauty and Home division in Cape Town. You will be responsible for driving cost‑effective sourcing, managing supplier performance and ensuring on‑time, full deliveries throughout each season.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing and supplier strategies aligned with business objectives for apparel, beauty and home categories.
• Manage supplier performance using scorecards that track quality, delivery, innovation and sustainability metrics.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers to achieve financial KPIs and secure competitive pricing.
• Coordinate capacity planning and order management to guarantee on‑time, full deliveries.
• Conduct supplier onboarding, performance reviews and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with Planning, Buying and Design teams to align product strategies and supply‑chain logistics.
• Oversee product costing processes in partnership with Technical Product Development.

Required profile

• Minimum 8 years of experience in buying, sourcing or technical retail within the clothing industry.
• Relevant business degree or diploma in Textiles, Fashion, Clothing Product Management or a related field.
• Proven negotiation skills with a track record of cost management.
• Strong understanding of international and South African clothing markets and supply‑chain logistics.
• Experience managing supplier relationships, contracts and capacity planning.
• Data‑driven decision‑making with solid analytical and numerical abilities.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally as required.

Required skills

What we offer

• Dynamic, data‑focused work environment.
• Opportunities for cross‑functional collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Commitment to sustainability, quality and growth.