Merchandise Finance Category Manager at Pick n Pay Stores Limited

Job Purpose

• To compile, track and advise Category Buyers on the performance and financial KPIs of the category. To assist in the delivery of identified ad-hoc projects and reports.

Reqquirements

• Relevant Financial Degree/Diploma
• 2 years finance or 4 years retail management experience in Merchandise planning, preferably within retailor FMCG environment
• Strong Advanced Excel Skills
• Proficiency in SAP and BW
• Affinity for numbers

Competencies:

• Strong Commercial and Financial acumen
• Sound Business Insight
• Influencing
• Presentation Skills
• Networking and Liason
• Flexibility and Resilient
• Judgement and decision making
• Solid problem solving and analytical skills
• Drive and deadline driven
• SAP Compliant

Developing & Implement Category Strategy

• Develop and recommend business strategies that target category-specific growth
• Make specific recommendations for developing strategic initiatives based on analytical findings
• Identify and recommend process improvements that target performance, quality, work efficiency or cost reduction

Negotiate Outcomes

• Understand negotiating position, key drivers, and desired outcomes; develops and presents factual, rational, and compelling arguments to build support and gain commitment from other parties; understands when to engage in counter-negotiations to reach win-win outcomes
• Adheres to the appropriate  company processes, values, and governing laws and regulations during negotiations, and ensures agreements are structured according to these regulatory controls; escalates complex legal and/or regulatory issues, and seeks guidance from appropriate resources as necessary
• Compile financial input for negotiation packs, participate in negotiation workshops and verify trading terms.

Analytical Ability

• Identify and collect comprehensive data and facts from multiple sources and ensures the accuracy, quality, and validity of the data.
• Perform complex analyses; identify trends and insights
• Communicate the results of analyses to diverse audiences and ensures understanding by linking them to business strategies and tactics
• Translate available information, data and findings into specific, actionable recommendations that add value to business planning

Financial Acumen

• Provide expert input into forecast / budget for period to ensure budget reflects category strategy and targets.
• Use basic financial data to track performance, such as sales and item performance
• Monitor budgets to ensure performance goals are met
• Develop, implement, and monitor action plans to ensure the attainment of financial goals, which includes anticipating financial requirements; and incorporates appropriate contingency planning 
• Ability to understand financial postings and correctly complete these postings in SAP

Merchandise/Merchandising Knowledge

• Develops merchandising solutions to achieve business goals and influence financial performance
• Identify and apply knowledge of key industry trends and market forces in order to positively impact merchandising

KPI tracking and Reports

• Create monthly reports and dashboards that include all components that impact on the financial performance
• Present/highlight the findings and recommend workable solutions that will optimize performance and efficiencies within the various financial components