PURPOSE OF POSITION: This Executive member will set the Merchandise strategy and lead our Buying and Quality teams to meet customer expectations of price, relevant assortment and quality across the clothing, footwear, home and cellular ranges of the business. This individual will determine buying, sourcing and quality strategies for the function across multi-country African markets, which are aligned to the Company’s agreed value proposition.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Building a single merchandise strategy across multiple countries
- The formulation and communication of buying, sourcing and quality strategies, to ensure delivery of financial and operational results
- Proactively seeking out new product opportunities and trends to enhance our merchandise offering while maintaining competitive pricing and quality standards
- Conducting regular market research and trend analysis to anticipate consumer preferences and adjust buying strategies accordingly
- Optimising resources and systems to meet objectives and create efficiencies and enable productivity
- Leading continuous improvement in business processes within Buying and across the business
- Identifying and cultivating relationships with suppliers across African markets to ensure a diverse and reliable sourcing network
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Planning, Operations and Supply Chain, to execute cohesive strategies and drive business growth
- Forming part of an executive team responsible for overall business results and deliverables
JOB INCUMBENT REQUIREMENTS:
- A relevant degree/qualification in Fashion, Textile, Design, Product Development/
Merchandising, or a related field is essential
- Minimum 5 years Buying experience, plus a minimum of 5 years at a senior level within a retail environment, demonstrating an understanding of business strategies
- Comprehensive understanding and knowledge of South Africa and Africa’s retail clothing and footwear market, customers and competitors
- Proven experience in discount or value retailing would be beneficial
- Good understanding of imports/exports
- Ability to exercise sound judgement and strong problem solving and decision making skills
- Influential in direct reporting lines, supplier relationships and across different functions in the business
- Strong process and analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data and trends
- Effective communicator and strong negotiator
- Strong merchant skills, innovative with high levels of initiative and sound commercial ability
- Excellent leadership skills with proven team building competence
- Resilience and ability to thrive in a fast paced, diverse environment and manage multiple priorities effectively
Job Type: Full-time
