We are seeking a high-calibre Trend Manager to report directly to the Chief Executive: Product. This is a senior, strategic role responsible for defining and owning the long-term trend direction for an assigned portfolio. The Trend Manager holds the creative compass for the portfolio — setting product handwriting, establishing strategic guardrails that balance inspiration with commercial reality, and ensuring that we bring value to life for our customer.

It requires someone who understands the unique discipline of translating global and local trend signals into value-priced product that resonates with our customer, without compromising on quality or desirability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own and drive the seasonal trend calendar from macro-direction through to product-level brief, ahead of the critical path.

• Set the product handwriting and aesthetic guardrails that design, buying, and technical teams use as their brief input.

• Operate as the primary liaison between external trend intelligence (WGSN, Peclers, local consumer insight) and internal product development.

• Provide clear creative direction that enables design and buying teams to execute with confidence and speed.

• Influence assortment architecture by identifying white space, flagging trend redundancy, and advising on the right balance of carry-over versus newness.

• Develop and maintain a distinct product handwriting for the portfolio that is consistent across categories and resonates with the customer.

• Research and interpret global trend forecasts, local lifestyle signals, and competitor intelligence into actionable, portfolio-specific creative direction.

• Produce and present clear, compelling trend packs and product briefs.

• Partner with the buying and merchandising teams to ensure trend direction is commercially grounded — aligned to price architecture, margin expectations, and volume requirements.

• Participate in range review and sign-off processes to evaluate whether product execution reflects the intended trend direction.

• Track and report on trend performance post-season, feeding learnings back into the next cycle’s direction.

JOB RELATED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• To succeed in this role, you’ll bring a blend of retail expertise, strategic thinking, and creative flair. Key focus areas include:

• Deep understanding of the value retail customer, and how to deliver aspiration within a price-conscious framework.

• Proven ability to identify, interpret, and apply global and local lifestyle trends with precision and commercial intent. Proficiency in leading trend intelligence platforms (WGSN, Peclers Paris, or equivalent) is required.

• Skilled at defining product handwriting and expressing creative direction in a format that enables downstream design and buying teams to execute accurately. This role leads and briefs; it does not produce design work itself.

• Ability to evaluate market data, consumer insights, competitor activity, and performance metrics to inform and pressure-test trend decisions. Comfortable with range architecture principles, option count management, and price ladder thinking.

• Proven capability to set direction, align cross-functional teams and advocate for the portfolio’s creative integrity without losing commercial perspective.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to inspire design, buying and sourcing teams and maintain alignment across a fast-paced, high-volume product environment.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• A relevant degree or qualification in Fashion, Textile Design, Clothing Production, Product Development, Merchandising, or a related field.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a Trend Manager or senior creative trend role, of which at least 3 years should be in a value, or high-volume retail environment.

• A demonstrable portfolio of trend work with clear evidence of commercial outcome.

• Experience in mass or value retail is essential.

• Experience presenting to senior leadership.

If you ready to lead with heart, inspire with product and help shape the next chapter of our brand, we’d love to hear from you.

If you feel you meet the above requirements for this position, please submit your application on our careers site at www.ackermans.co.za/careers.

CLOSING DATE: 20 March 2026

Applicants will need to be prepared to undergo evaluations / assessments and interviews if and as required.

POLICY: In terms of Company policy for appointments and promotions, preference will be given to candidates who will enhance the diversity of the team and contribute to employment equity within the Company provided that the competencies and minimum requirements for the position have been met.