Junior Product Developer

About the Role

• Our client is seeking a commercially curious and detail-oriented Junior Product Developer to join their Product Development team in Midrand.
• This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys understanding what customers love, identifying products with strong commercial potential, and working with suppliers to bring new products to market. You will help build product ranges, manage seasonal plans, evaluate product performance and support the development of commercially successful product categories.
• The successful candidate will have the opportunity to take greater ownership of products and categories while developing towards a full Product Developer/Buyer role.

Key Responsibilities

Product Planning and Range Management

• Develop and maintain seasonal buying plans for assigned categories, ensuring an appropriate balance across price points, occasions and customer needs.
• Manage product lifecycle status and track trading performance.
• Review category strategy and range reviews, identifying underperforming SKUs for exit.

New Product Development

• Research consumer trends, competitor activity and market opportunities to identify new product ideas.
• Prepare product briefs covering specifications, quality requirements, packaging and commercial targets.
• Manage samples and quality approval processes from request through to sign-off.
• Keep critical timelines on track, including launch dates and coordination with relevant internal teams.
• Conduct post-launch reviews against sales, margin and availability targets.

Commercial Performance

• Monitor sales, margin and category performance using BI and reporting tools.
• Identify risks and opportunities early.
• Analyse product trends, margin mix, price architecture and landed costs to help protect profitability.
• Work with open-to-buy parameters and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Supplier Management

• Coordinate supplier meetings and range-planning sessions, tracking actions through to completion.
• Review supplier performance, quality, delivery and cost.
• Develop negotiation skills and support supplier discussions.
• Identify supply risks and alternative sources where necessary.

Minimum Requirements

• A relevant diploma or degree in e-commerce, buying, merchandising, marketing, commerce or product design.
• Approximately 1 - 3 years of experience in product development, buying, merchandising or a similar retail or e-commerce role. Trainee or assistant buyer/product developer experience would be advantageous.
• Strong Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data analysis and margin calculations, with comfort using reporting and dashboard tools.
• An understanding of gross margin, pricing and product lifecycle.
• Experience with supplier meetings and commercial discussions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple timelines, follow through on actions and escalate issues early.
• A customer-focused mindset and a genuine interest in gifting, lifestyle and seasonal trends.
• Experience with packaging development, local or import sourcing, landed cost calculations or supplier negotiations would be advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• You take ownership, act proactively and remain calm under pressure. You enjoy balancing the creative side of product development with commercial analysis, ask thoughtful questions, learn quickly and are eager to grow your career.