Buyer: Biltong, Ostrich & Venison at Woolworths

Job description

• Give input to and implement Biltong, Ostrich & Venison departmental and supplier strategies.
• Establish a commercially viable product range strategy and manage the implementation thereof.
• Manage open book costing models and promotional funding and Category Growth Funds.
• Develop good working relationships with suppliers and other key stakeholders.
• Review internal Woolworths’ performance data (sales, profit, market share, market size etc.) for the department and make comparisons against competition ito range, price, promotions and product development
• Identify and prioritise the key commercial strategies and accompanying quantifiable goals and KPI’s for the department in line with category operating plan
• Ensure internal and external colleagues understand and work to deliver the department category plan
• Review department performance versus Department Scorecards on a regular basis and inform key stakeholders
• Manage financial accountabilities; margins (including strategic buy-in opportunities in consultation with Merchandise Planning), incentives, settlement discounts, departmental charges, sample account, buyer losses, etc.
• Negotiate price, promotional price and new lines, taking into account price tiering / product positioning and financial targets
• Integrate with Sales Management to draw up and implement Promotional Calendar. Plan and implement promotional strategies and ensure supplier delivery
• Establish category price position while applying an understanding of customer price perception, impacts on KVIs, and of competitor pricing
• Availability: Manage short- and long-term availability per category and per supplier
• Give input to Category and Supplier strategies and end-to-end sourcing of raw material
• Develop and implement pricing strategies
• Give input to the planning and forecasting of products and ranges
• Build and manage relationships with a diverse range of suppliers
• Liaise with marketing, sales management and space planning to maximise sales and promotions in stores
• Liaise with distribution regarding Supply Chain issues
• Monitor and react to industry and international trends
• Monitor order fill and product static

Minimum requirements

• Relevant commercial degree / diploma
• Minimum of 3 years buying experience in the perishable industry
• Proven experience in managing a Foods/FMCG department
• Procurement experience within a retail, FMCG environment or meat industry experience – knowledge of store operations, customer profiles, locations & competitors
• Proven sourcing and supplier management experience
• Proven ability to provide tactical input and deliver the category operating plan
• Strong integrator and the ability to work in a matrix structure with proven leadership skills
• Strong negotiation and financial management skills
• Proven ability to deliver the following category KPIs (ie. market share, sales growth, margin, ROS, availability)
• Understanding of Supply Chain processes and principles
• In depth understanding and application of Woolworths’ quality standards
• Technical understanding of the Meat category is advantageous
• Understanding of factors influencing a product’s cost and selling prices
• Proactive & Innovative with a continuous improvement mindset
• Strong customer and retail orientation - sound business and financial acumen
• Entrepreneurial – ability to initiate and implement innovative and viable business ideas and to accept accountability for the outcome
• Team player with understanding of diversity
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal