Central Buying Analyst: Systems at Ackermans

JOB PURPOSE:

• To ensure effectiveness of the business operations as identified through Buying Projects and efficient Systems Enablement related to Buying initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Systems Enablement and Support

• Maintain and optimise buying related systems (e.g. PLM / Centric)
• Troubleshoot system issues and coordinate resolution with IT and external vendors.
• Ensure system stability and accuracy across all buying cycles.
• Provide first line system support to the buying teams

Business Process Analysis and Improvement

• Analyse current buying processes and identify gaps, inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Map end to end buying workflows and ensure alignment with system capabilities.
• Recommend enhancements that streamline buying operations and drive productivity.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs and training materials.

Buying Project Support

• Support buying related projects from initiation to implementation.
• Participate in project scoping, functional specification development, testing and roll-out.
• Work closely with project managers to ensure buying requirements are fully understood and delivered.
• Conduct system testing (UAT), validate functionalities and provide input on go live readiness.

Data Accuracy and Reporting

• Ensure accurate and consistent data capture across buying systems.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, reports and analytics that support decision making.
• Validate data integrity for assortment planning, costings, vendor data and product lifecycle management.

Training and Change Management

• Assist in Training Buying Teams on new system features, upgrades and best practices.
• Communicate system changes clearly and manage user adoption.
• Deliver post implementation support and ongoing capability building.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Act as the link between Buying, IT, Merchandise Planning, Logistics and Finance (Systems Manager, Systems Analyst: Buying, Buyers, Buying Managers, Trend & Design Specialist, Product Technology Team Leaders, Fabric technologists, Buyer’s Assistants, Central Buying Analysts; Planning Managers, Central Planning, Product Planners)
• Gather business requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Facilitate cross functional alignment for system changes and upgrades.

Communication is:

• Professional & suited for the audience
• Consistent
• Accurate
• Simplistic

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Essential:

• 3 years’ experience in retail buying systems, merchandise systems or a business analyst role.
• Experience supporting or implementing retail systems (ERP/Centric) is highly beneficial.

Preferred:

• Exposure to retail buying processes and product development cycles.
• Project management

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Working knowledge of merchandising systems (ERP Systems, PLM, Forecasting/Planning tools)
• Data analysis skills (Excel, Power BI)
• Understanding of system testing, configuration and functional support
• Project management skills
• Strong communication skills
• The ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical users
• The ability to communicate effectively at all levels within the company
• Merchant skills & a sound commercial mentality
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Exceptional planning, organizing & time management skills
• The ability to be resilient, have tenacity and maintain high levels of drive and initiative under pressure
• Networking skills & the ability to be resourceful
• The ability to prioritise
• The ability to be assertive
• The ability to work independently, as well as be a team player
• Building effective relationships

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of the retail merchandise cycle with regards to Buying
• Knowledge of buying principles & strategies

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Essential:

• A Grade 12 Certificate/Matric
• A relevant Degree/Diploma in Business Systems, Information Systems, Supply Chain, Merchandising, Product Development or related field.