Head of Buying - Jet Kidswear at TFG (The Foschini Group)

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the buying team to conceptualise and implement the merchandise strategy in line with overall company strategy 
• Deliver the defined turnover growth and margins 
• Product sourcing and selection, identifying and selecting products that meet the fashion and price expectations and quality standards of value-conscious consumers. This involves finding suppliers who can provide high-volume, low-cost items without compromising on quality
• Negotiate terms with suppliers in line with overall margin, service and quality targets 
• Ensure reliable source of supply through sound process and effective supplier relationships 
• Pricing strategy, setting competitive pricing strategies that attract price-sensitive customers while maintaining profitability. The Head of Buying must balance external price pressures with internal cost controls
• Manage and control stock levels based on seasonal forecasts and planning, incl. replenishment product categories 
• Ensure that assigned team is effectively resourced, create context for strategy and effectively develop talent pipeline 
• Responsible for ongoing management of purchasing strategy and activity and for ensuring optimal supplier performance and price. 
• Market analysis and trends, keeping abreast of market trends and consumer behaviors to anticipate demand and adjust buying strategies accordingly. This includes understanding the dynamics of the value retail market and seasonal fluctuations
• Cross-functional collaboration, working closely with marketing, store operations, and finance teams to align the buying strategy with broader company goals. This collaboration helps in crafting promotions and in-store presentations that maximize sales
• Lead and manage a Team of Buyers to deliver the appropriate support to the business to ensure corporate and business development objectives are met 

Qualifications and Experience:

• Post Graduate Degree – 10+ relevant years 
• Minimum 8 years working experience at a senior management level, incl. people/team management 
• Minimum 15 years relevant buying / merchandise experience is essential 
• Proven track record in building and maintaining strategic supplier relationships 
• Proven track record and ability to drive a merchandise strategy by demonstrating innovative and creative thinking 
• Demonstrate experience of leading a purchasing function with a proven track record in strategic purchasing leadership delivering effective purchasing strategies 
• Ability to work comfortably at both a strategic and operational level 
• Ability to drive change, persuade and influence both internal and external stakeholders (often without direct authority) 
• Demonstrate a high level of maturity, emotional intelligence and insight into diverse teams and individuals 
• Ability to work well under pressure and deliver to aggressive deadlines, incl. problem solving 
• Exceptional analytical ability to effectively evaluate and drive functional KPIs, incl. sales growth, PIS, CSOH, input- and maintained margins, stock turn, clearance 
• Strong written and verbal communication at all levels of organisation 
• Exceptional leadership skills incl. the ability to attract, hire, retain and motivate assigned team members and talent pool 

Skills: 

• Analytical Processes 
• Commercial Acumen 
• Contract Management 
• Customer Service Delivery 
• Negotiation
• Numerical Skills 
• Office Systems 
• Planning & Organising 
• Policy & Procedures 
• Market Research and Analysis 
• Supplier Management 
• Requirements Analysis 
• Global Sourcing 
• Strategic eCommerce 

Behaviours: 

• Applies market and business insights in order to drive organisational objectives 
• forms, develops and leads a group of individuals toward the achievement of a common team objective
• Creates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of creativity which drives success
• thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the organisation 
• Develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives 
• Understands and navigates dynamics created by processes, systems, and people
• Assesses and improves the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of various work processes
• Quickly adapts and acquires new knowledge, skills, and competencies in a rapidly changing environment
• Interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems
• Takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets
• Sets ambitious goals and takes focused action to achieve desired outcomes to deliver measurable results