Buyer (Clothing) - Brackenfell, Cape Town at Shoprite Group of Companies

Job Objectives

• Product range and line determination
• Develop and select products that align with the brand’s identity, quality standards, and price points.
• Conduct market research to understand competitor offerings and consumer preferences.
• Ensure a balanced product selection assortment catering to customer needs and preferences.
• Collaborate with the design team to identify the season’s theme, colour palette, and fabric selection.
• Ensure first place in the market by maintaining price competitiveness.
• Ensure a comprehensive coverage of categories through effective range rationalisation, aligned to strategy and brand logic.
• Develop and select product that align with the brand’s identity, quality standards, and price points. Ensure a balanced and tasteful product selection assortment that caters to various customer needs and preferences.
• Maintain effective administration (across all areas)
• Ensure commitment to environmental responsibility, driving sustainable fabrics.
• Product pricing administration
• Maintain competitiveness in cost and selling prices
• Base price objectives on knowledge of market prices, current trends and/or market leaders
• Effectively utilise negotiation to achieve pricing objectives
• Ensure confidentiality is maintained regarding sensitive information
• Advertising and promotions management
• Selection of lines and management of price points
• Continuously track competitor pricing
• Ensure availability of stock at suppliers
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers. Negotiate prices and deliveries to ensure the best outcome. Continuously evaluate their performance in terms of quality, on-time delivery, and pricing.
• Manage the critical path and timelines of the product development process with suppliers to ensure on time deliveries.
• Timeously supply information to Marketing
• Resolve stock level issues in stores and distribution centres
• Remain up to date with price movements and shortages in order to proactively advise the distribution centres
• International sourcing
• Identify potential gaps and international trends in order to source profitable products
• Manage the end-to-end supply chain process
• Determine merchandising layout that is practical and reflective of consumer patterns

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Clothing Management or Fashion Design

Experience

• +2 years’ experience in a clothing buying role, with demonstrable experience executing all aspects of the buying process for a in a large retail organisation
• Demonstrable experience with sourcing and supplier management along with complex vendor / supplier negotiations
• Well-developed understanding of supply chain concepts, processes and systems
• Comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing a product’s cost and selling prices
• Knowledge of commercial and financial trade-offs in category sales
• Understanding of the retail value chain and profitability drivers
• Proficiency in MS Office 365 with advanced Excel skills