Accessories Graduate (1-Year Contract) – Core Group / iStore Head Office (Sandton)

Employer: Core Group (iStore Head Office)

Division: Accessories Buying Team

Industry: Consumer Electronics, Technology Retail, Apple Premium Reseller & Product Management

Job Functional Area: Marketing / Retail Buying & Commercial Analytics

Location: Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa (On-Site)

Position Type: 1-Year Fixed-Term Graduate Contract

Target Candidates: Recent Commerce, Retail, Marketing, Supply Chain & Finance Graduates (Graduated within the last 3 years)

Compensation: Market-Related Corporate Tech Retail Graduate Package

Posted Date: 23 October 2026

About Core Group & The Accessories Graduate Role

Core Group is the official distributor and primary retail engine behind some of the world’s most iconic consumer technology brands across Southern Africa, managing iStore retail outlets, premium accessories portfolios, and digital commerce channels.

Core Group is recruiting an enthusiastic, trend-conscious Accessories Graduate to join their Buying team at the iStore Head Office in Sandton. Designed for tech-savvy commerce graduates who love gadgets and market trends, this 1-year hands-on development opportunity exposes graduates to retail strategy, sales performance analysis, competitor monitoring, purchase order administration, and cross-functional product launches alongside senior retail Buyers.

Key Responsibilities & Retail Buying Workflows

The Accessories Graduate will execute eleven core operational deliverables under senior Buying mentorship:

1. Trend Analysis, Product Reviews & Buying Support

• Trend Identification: Identify emerging global accessory trends, cool tech gadgets, and product lines tailored for iStore customers.
• Competitor Monitoring: Track competitor pricing, promotional activities, and emerging retail tech developments.
• Product Presentations: Contribute ideas during product range reviews and assist in compiling presentations that influence shelf selections.

2. Commercial Data Analytics & Inventory Management

• Sales & Stock Analysis: Analyze daily sales performance, inventory turn, and stock levels to support commercial buying decisions.
• Excel Reporting: Leverage MS Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, data formatting) to generate actionable insights and inventory reports for management.
• Data Maintenance: Keep product master data, pricing structures, and supplier databases accurate and updated.

3. Supplier Administration & Cross-Functional Launching

• PO Processing: Assist with purchase order (PO) generation, tracking, and direct communication with accessory suppliers.
• Cross-Functional Execution: Collaborate with Marketing, Supply Chain Planning, and Logistics teams to coordinate new accessory product launches.

Candidate Profile & Minimum Entry Requirements

To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet the following mandatory academic and personal criteria:

• Educational Qualifications (MANDATORY COMMERCE/RETAIL DEGREE):
  • Completed Bachelor’s Degree (BCom / BBA / BConsumer Science) in one of the following fields:
    • BCom Supply Chain Management
    • BCom Marketing Management
    • BCom Business Management / Business Administration
    • BCom / Diploma in Retail Business Management
    • BCom Finance / Commercial Accounting
    • Consumer Science (Retail / Fashion Merchandise)
    • Or a closely related commerce degree.

• Graduation Timeline Rule (CRITICAL):
  • Must have graduated within the last three (3) years (2023–2026).
• Technical & Analytical Skills:
  • Good MS Excel skills (Pivot Tables, Lookups, data analysis tools are an advantage).
  • Genuine passion for technology, smartphones, audio gear, protective cases, chargers, and tech accessories.
• Vetting Checks:
  • Successful applicants will undergo comprehensive background checks including criminal record checks, ITC credit checks, ID verification, Matric verification, and 2 professional reference checks.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Commercially minded, proactive, high energy, with strong attention to detail and customer behavior curiosity.

Application Guidelines & Selection Steps

1. Prepare Document Package:
   • Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) showcasing your passion for tech/accessories and Excel proficiency.
   • Certified Copy of South African Identity Document or Passport.
   • Certified Copy of Matric Certificate.
   • Certified Copies of Tertiary Degree Certificate & Academic Transcripts.
2. Online Portal: Submit your application directly via the official Core Group Careers Portal.
3. Closing Date: Applications are screened on a rolling basis; early submission is strongly recommended.

Sample Selection & Retail Buying Interview Questions

Commercial Analytics & Retail Strategy

• Question (Excel & Sales Analysis): “How would you use Excel Pivot Tables to identify underperforming accessory lines across iStore branches and recommend stock reallocations?”
• Question (Trend Spotting): “What is an accessory or tech trend you’ve noticed recently in the South African retail market, and why do you think it would appeal to iStore customers?”

How to Apply

Apply online directly via the official Core Group / iStore Careers Portal:

• Employer: Core Group (iStore Head Office)
• Division: Accessories Buying
• Location: Sandton, Gauteng
• Position: Accessories Graduate (1-Year Contract)
• Eligibility: Graduated within the last 3 years with BCom/Diploma in Supply Chain, Marketing, Retail, Finance, or Consumer Science

Apply here