Central Buying Analyst: Product (Contract from 17 July 2023 - 12 January 2024) - Kuils River at Ackermans

• We are looking for a Central Buying Analyst: Products, the main purpose of the role is to centrally analyse all product related practices and attributes in order to deliver cross-functional insights to the business that support the buying initiatives and strategic priorities. The contract period is from 17 July 2023 till 12 January 2024. 

Qualifications    

• A Grade 12 Certificate/Matric 
• A relevant degree /qualification in Fashion, Textile Design /Clothing Production/ Product Development /Merchandising, Finance/Planning or relevant degree 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience    
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED 

• Retail buying or planning experience of at least 3 years in clothing
• Integral understanding of the Clothing Retail Cycle & Product Attributes

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED: 

• Knowledge of the retail merchandise cycle with regards to Buying/Planning and Product Attributing 
• Knowledge of Merchandise principles & strategies 
• A comprehensive knowledge/understanding of SA’s retail clothing market, customers and competitors 

SKILLS REQUIRED: 

• Latest Microsoft applications including advanced Power-point and Excel competency  
• Creative interpretation and articulation of data 
• A sound ability to analyse and work with numerical data 
• The ability to communicate effectively at all levels within the company 
• Merchant skills & a sound commercial mentality 
• Exceptional planning, organizing & time management skills  
• The ability to be resilient, have tenacity and maintain high levels of drive and initiative under pressure 

Key Responsibilities    
To be responsible for the central collation, effective use/implementation and governance of: 

• All Product Attributes used across the SBU's  
• Comp shop Review Findings 
• Match Review Strategic minutes 
• Licensor Character information 
• Marketing Briefs 
• Product Tech Packaging Development 

Continuously analyse and report from a centralized view and provide strategic insights on: 

• Product Performance 
• Product Attributes audits 
• RBS & Price Rhythms 
• Famous Fours ,disruptors  and OTIF performance 
• Product support on strategic Marketing Campaigns 
• Character 

Represent the Buying role, its functions & processes in Company projects: 

• Process Improvement Projects 
• Strategic interventions (e.g. Quick Response, Product UDA's, First Insights testing) 
• Responsible for the creative articulation and packaging of product related management reports and presentations
• Strategic thinking, conceptualisation and steps taken display strong business acumen, across all milestones in the merchandise cycle
• Departmental Sales Performance
• Concepts are relevant to our customer’s needs and in line with our purchasing strategy 
• Range build is executed to offer a balanced range across colours & key silhouettes to enable wardrobe building and co-ordinated looks 
• Orders (fits and seals) are delivered on-time within the agreed critical path dates
• Marketing processes are followed and advertising specifications adhered to 
• The appropriate suppliers are selected according to the standards required for each product category                                     
• Negotiation skills enable the achievement of business objectives through effective partnerships with suppliers 
• Supplier communication is effective and ensures effective performance in line with business expectations. 

Closing Date    
2023/06/21