Merchant - Sub-Saharan Africa Wholesale

About Levi Strauss & Co.

Levi Strauss & Co. is a pioneer in the apparel industry, known for innovations like the invention of blue jeans in 1873 and reinventing khaki pants in 1986. The company leads in sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices globally. It values individuality, collaboration, diverse perspectives, and offers a dynamic environment that encourages making a meaningful impact while embracing self-expression.

Role Overview

Based in Cape Town, this full-time Merchant role supports the merchandising team across retail, e-commerce, and wholesale channels. It involves managing the entire product merchandising process, including planning, launching, executing, and monitoring seasonal assortments. The position serves as an essential liaison among Merchandising, Planning, Marketing, Sales, Visual Merchandising, and Product Development teams, driving product success through analysis, assortment optimization, pricing, storytelling, and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive insights into local cultural and creative trends to predict consumer behavior shifts and derive actionable regional brand strategies.
• Continuously analyze competitors and market conditions to detect new opportunities, product gaps, and potential improvements.
• Assist in seasonal assortment planning and segmentation to align with brand directives and commercial goals across multiple channels.
• Evaluate sourcing options considering production capacities to enhance cost efficiency and market responsiveness.
• Oversee full product lifecycle activities, including pricing strategy, product launches, carry-over assessments, and special capsule collections.
• Track and assess product performance to identify opportunities for repeat orders, inventory optimization, and growth.
• Generate and maintain detailed merchandising reports, tools, and product information to aid various teams.
• Support channel-specific product strategies ensuring relevance and commercial viability across touchpoints.
• Coordinate product storytelling, campaign rollouts, styling guidance, and team training to present consistent brand imagery.
• Provide dedicated wholesale market support via assortment planning, customer engagement, product analysis, and assistance.
• Work collaboratively with Sales, Marketing, Planning, and Visual Merchandising teams to offer product expertise, address queries, and influence business decisions.

Required Competencies

• Ability to build and sustain collaborative interdepartmental relationships.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in end-to-end process management and merchandise information handling.
• Innovative and proactive mindset with forward-thinking capability.
• Capacity to effectively collaborate with and influence cross-functional teams.
• Highly flexible and initiative-driven with a self-motivated, independent work approach.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant diploma qualification.
• Minimum 5 to 8 years professional experience in a buyer or merchandiser role.
• Experience handling multiple gender categories is advantageous.

Additional Information

Applicants should notify their current Line Manager prior to applying. The application deadline is 15 July 2026. Levi Strauss SA (Pty) Ltd values employment equity and diversity, welcoming applications from all individuals in line with the Employment Equity Act of 1998.

Location & Employment Details

The position is full-time and based onsite in Cape Town, South Africa.