Central Buying Systems Trainer at Ackermans

• Be the catalyst for systems excellence! Using your hands‑on experience with buying systems like PLM (with Centric experience being a strong advantage), you’ll equip internal and external partners with the training, tools, and support they need to embrace the Ackermans Buying Strategy and Critical Path.
• This role drives best‑practice adoption and helps teams work smarter, faster, and more confidently across the business.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Systems Training

• Act as the primary trainer for all Buying related systems across Buying, Buying Support, Product Technology and Trend & Design.
• Develop, maintain and deliver structured training programmes for all systems used within the buying function.
• Provide ongoing support and refresher training to ensure teams use systems effectively and consistently.
• Coordinate training workshops across internal and external users using various training platforms.
• Train new and existing team members

New Starter Inductions

• Lead the induction process for all new starters within Buying and Buying Support.
• Ensure new employees receive structured onboarding covering systems, processes and ways of working.

Develop Training Materials

• Develop and maintain training manuals, guides and induction material for buying systems and processes.
• Keep training documentation updated and aligned with current business processes.
• Identify training gaps and opportunities to strengthen team capability.
• Support consistent adoption of best practices across the business.

Support Change Management

• Support users through changes in process or system functionality.
• Provide continuous support after training to ensure adoption of changes.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Essential:

• 2-3 years Buying experience within a retail clothing environment or similar

Preferred:

• Previous experience working with a buying system / PLM - experience with Centric PLM is highly advantageous.
• Exposure to training and/or facilitation

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Essential:

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

​​​​​​​JOB RELATED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIRED

KNOWLEDGE required:

• Knowledge of the retail merchandise cycle with regards to Buying
• Knowledge of buying principles & strategies
• Strong understanding of retail work flows, buying process and best practices
• Understanding and exposure to Buying systems / PLM

SKILLS required:

• Strong ability to train, guide, and support users on systems and tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to engage confidently at all levels.
• Solid merchant skills and a strong commercial mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills
• Exceptional planning, organising, and time‑management capabilities.
• Strong networking skills and the resourcefulness to find solutions and support users effectively.
• Ability to build effective working relationships and provide consistent, high‑quality support to system users.
• The confidence to be assertive when required.
• Ability to support and drive change through effective user training and communication.
• Skilled in writing, structuring, and scripting training material / guidelines
• Ability to work both independently and as an effective team player.