Buying Manager : Girls at Ackermans

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Achieving and exceeding the Company’s inflow margin and GP Rands as signed off at the seasonal business plan meetings.
• Developing, influencing, and driving the SBU’s seasonal product and purchasing strategy in line with Company objectives (i.e. the Business Plan).
• Effectively influencing the selection of merchandise in line with the approved product matrix to meet the target customers’ needs in terms of price, quality and fashionability, to deliver to the Company’s agreed value proposition.
• Ensuring that the correct suppliers are selected for the SBU & managed according to Company policies and procedures.
• Determining and managing the merchandise procurement process to ensure on-time delivery as per the agreed Company critical path dates.
• Ensuring that the appropriate product is selected and proposed to maximize sales in support of the agreed marketing, sales, and in-store visual merchandising plan.
• Developing and influencing cross-functional partnerships with all specified key relationships (Planning, Marketing, Product Technology, Operations and Supply Chain functional areas).
• Leading & developing the Girls Buying Team (14 reports) by implementing sound people management practices, employee relations and a climate and culture of high performance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

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

EXPERIENCE:

• Buying experience of which at least 5 years is at a senior level within a clothing/footwear/homeware retail environment.
• Previous senior managerial experience to understand the inner workings and product strategies and philosophies of a business.
• Previous experience in leading a team.
• Integral understanding of the Clothing Retail Cycle & Buying process.
• Experience in developing strategy and implementing strategic interventions in a rapidly changing global and local context.