Chief Executive: Merchandise (Western Cape) at PEP

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

• As Chief Executive: Merchandise, you will hold a pivotal position on PEP's Executive leadership team (Exco), overseeing the entire merchandise function. Your responsibilities will include formulating and executing PEP's merchandise strategy, leading a top-tier team, and spearheading innovation across all product categories, including Clothing, Footwear and Home. Additionally, your scope will encompass Trend, Sourcing, Quality, and Sustainability. Your strategic foresight, decisive actions, and effective implementation will profoundly influence the lives of millions of South Africans and serve as the driving force of our organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Merchandise Strategy & Execution: Set and execute the PEP Merchandise Strategy to meet organizational sales, gross profit, and related objectives. This includes defining and executing a customer-focused merchandise strategy aligned with PEP’s vision, purpose, and commercial goals.
• KPI Delivery: Deliver key merchandise performance indicators (KPIs), including sales, gross margin, stock turn, markdowns, and availability.
• Merchandise Operations Oversight: Oversee and influence various aspects of merchandise, including buying, product development, pricing, sourcing, quality, trend, and sustainability.
• Market Relevance: Lead trend analysis, consumer insight gathering, and range development to ensure market relevance and affordability.
• Sustainability Leadership: Lead the PEP Sustainability strategy.
• Supplier Partnerships: Cultivate strong local and international supplier partnerships to ensure value, ethical sourcing, and reliable supply.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with various departments to deliver a seamless customer experience.
• Team Leadership & Development: Inspire and lead a passionate, talented merchandise team, focusing on building future leaders and driving high performance.
• Business Strategy Contribution: Contribute to the overall business strategy and represent merchandise at the Pepkor Group level where required.

Requirements
JOB INCUMBENT REQUIREMENTS

• A relevant degree /qualification in Fashion, Textile Design /Clothing Production/ Product Development, Merchandising, or a related field
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a retail buying management capacity, of which 3-5 years should be at a senior level.
• Senior level experience in merchandise leadership, preferably in value retail.  
• Deep understanding of the South African consumer – particularly in the discount or mass-market segments.
• Strong financial, commercial and business acumen with a proven track record  
• Ability to interact at EXCO level with confidence, gravitas, impact and influence
• Solid understanding of the PEP market segment 
• Excellent communication and influencing skills 
• Ability to  understand, analyse and interpret various internal and external factors that may impact the function and PEP
• Proven ability to lead large, diverse teams and drive performance through values-based leadership.
• Strong analytical, commercial, and trend-forecasting skills
• Experience in private label development, sourcing, and supplier negotiation
• Comfortable navigating a high-volume, fast-paced retail environment.
• A purpose-led leader who believes in PEP’s mission to serve with heart and make a difference.
• Well-developed self-awareness and emotional maturity
• Competencies: Organisational sensitivity; Planning & Structuring; Innovating, Strategic insight, Problem Assessment and Decision Making; Communication and Interpersonal Skills; Ability to contribute to an EXCO team as well as lead a functional team.