Footwear Merchandiser / Buyer at Talented Recruitment Specialists

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for merchandising the Cape Town retail accounts for the business.
• Working closely with Cape Town agent on these key accounts, driving sales and meeting targets.
• Managing and growing existing business and taking initiative with new business opportunities.
• Building strong relationships with buyers, ensuring excellent service and interaction at all times.
• Trend research, buying and presenting ranges to buyers.
• Taking briefs from buyers and sending out costing enquiries.
• Handling costing negotiations with suppliers and customers.
• Sourcing new developments, updates for existing lines, and new styles for testing.
• Executing development and test sample make up with suppliers.
• Strategically placing orders with suppliers based on styling, capability, price, capacity, delivery, etc.
• Ensuring confirmed orders are placed and handed over to coordination team for follow up.
• Managing coordination team to ensure follow through right up to delivery.
• Overseeing and signing off on all samples received from the factories.
• Ensuring accurate and timeous communication with customers and suppliers on all matters relating to design, costing, approvals, and handling all serious issues or problems.
• Reporting to Management on current styles, orders, pricing, deliveries, sales feedback, etc.

Requirements

• Solid Merchandising or Buying experience - footwear experience would be ideal.
• Experience working with key retail chains and buyers - Cape Town retailers would be ideal.
• Ability to adapt quickly and hit the ground running.
• Good understanding of Imports and dealing with China.
• A good eye for product and comfortable buying and presenting ranges.
• Excellent costing and negotiating skills.
• Skilled in product development and engineering product offerings.
• Ability to handle pressure and problem solve.
• Excellent communication and people skills.
• Ability to lead and manage a team while fostering a healthy team dynamic.
• Must be comfortable with travel, locally and abroad.
• Energetic and driven, with a love/passion for shoes!