Category Buyer - Kenilworth at Pick n Pay Stores Limited

Job Details

We are looking for a seasoned Category Buyer - Prepared Meals to compile and execute the category plans in line with the strategy, objectives and category group guidelines on format/margin and assortment strategies. To optimize the performance of the assigned categories by having clear category plans in place that are aligned to the strategy, category group guidelines and being customer focused

Requirement 

• Preferably relevant university Degree
• 3+ years retail Buying and Category Management experience essential (Prepared meals experience is essential)
• Proven and consistent success on financial KPI’s
• Extensive commercial knowledge
• In-depth knowledge of store operations combined with category knowledge and in store execution
• SAP knowledge is an added advantage

Competencies:

• Sound knowledge of buying fundamentals and in depth knowledge of product costings
• Ability to understand building of recipes and factoring in various relatable costs, from raw material to packaging
• Ability to understand and analyse complex detailed information to identify the source of the issues and recommend solutions to enhance the category performance
• Have the understanding of all Commercial levers in Foods retail
• Commerical and Financial Acumen
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Networking and Relationship Building
• Excellent Communications skills (Verbal and Written)
• Sound Negotiation and Influencing skills
• Good Presentation skills

Additional 

• Understand negotiating position, key drivers, and desired outcomes; develop and present factual, rational, and compelling arguments to build support and gain commitment from other parties; understand when to engage in counter-negotiations to reach win-win outcomes
• Anticipate negotiating roadblocks and objections, ensuring any contractual agreements entered into are structured according to the regulatory controls in place
• Develop and recommend business strategies that target category-specific growth
• Evaluate merchandising plans and their business impact; make recommendations for modifying plans based on findings 
• Identify and recommend process improvements that target performance, quality, work efficiency / cost reduction
• Maintain a solid working knowledge of assigned category, industry, and market; use knowledge of industry practices, business trends, distribution methods, and the competitive environment to develop buying plans
• Implement and execute tactical buying plans, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as Pick n Pay’s overall business strategy
• Integrate with Store Operations and Store teams to drive the implementation of the category plan
• Communicate regularly with suppliers to mutually share financial and other performance criteria; use metrics to identify performance gaps and hold suppliers accountable for achieving financial and other mutually agreed upon goals; develop and implement contingency plans to close performance gaps
• Demonstrate confidence and expertise when interacting with suppliers whilst reinforcing the importance of Pick n Pay’s values, buying strategies and corporate initiatives
• Implement and execute Private Brand category strategy, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as PnP’s overall business strategy
• Develop and implement action plans to enable the attainment of financial goals, leveraging knowledge of factors and trends that are likely to impact financial performance of the category