Merchandise Manager - Footwear at Ares Holdings

Summary

The role is responsible for choosing footwear that will be sold in South Africa. With a given budget, the buyer is tasked with picking products for the stores based on the demand and the trends in the industry. The incumbent is also required to work closely with the sales team to select a segmented range by category, by division and by gender for all accounts.        

Buying Strategy

• Attend Vans seasonal sales meetings and other relevant travel requirements.  Select from the pre-existing global/EMEA range, making intuitive selections that suit the SA customer, so optimums are achieved alongside other developing.
• Must be a footwear subject matter expert in terms of product features, specifications and categorisation.
• Establish shipment plan and identify consolidation opportunities for cost reduction based on OOR reconciliation
• Understand the current wholesale and retail strategy and make recommendations in developing product strategies and range building in line with the business vision 
• Maintain strong awareness of the commercial potential of product in the market from a price point of view and assist in developing appropriate pricing structures
• Assist Planner in identifying sales patterns for future seasons and place forecasts and orders for the SA market

Operational Partnerships

• Manage the delivery of samples to Head Office as necessary maintaining responsibility for this inventory until signed over to the relevant merchant
• Work with marketing, sales and Planner to set up promotions to drive underperformers to clear stock.
• Conduct sell-ins promoting new, fresh product to Retail and Wholesale clients
• With the sales and marketing functions, manage the full GTM sales process from planning, co-ordinating and developing sales tools that directly support the sell-in process for both existing and new accounts (catalogues, pricelist lists, order forms, delivery dates, showroom prep, catering, trade marketing support)
• Review previous season merchandise with Planner to identify possible reasons for success or non-performance and note for future reference
• Ensure optimal samples are selected that are applicable to the South African market.
• Ensure that buy-plans are well detailed and clearly understood by team members and relevant stakeholders
• Meet range development deadlines in order to ensure supplier deadlines are met
• Manage Stock levels in line with orders
• Assist Retail Ops team in the opening of new Brand House stores with specific focus on stock planning
• Ensure along with Visual Merchandiser and Retail manager that product is displayed in all stores according to Vans Standards.
• Manage the reconciliation of OOR against purchase order identifying irregularities and highlighting this to the Planners
• Ensure accurate requested ship dates to ease cash flow pressures

Reporting & Analytics

• Develop and continually evaluate all reports in order to monitor stock arrival in SA, sales, history, seasonal sales analysis, aged inventory etc.
• Report on inventory tracker and forecasting report
• Feedback market trend information to the Vans team and suggest best merchandising practice to maximise turnover.
• Assist in the mapping and architecture of the IT system for order management, logistical support, buying, point of sale, order tracking and Bl tools etc.
• Develop and continually evaluate all reports in order to establish sales history, seasonal sales analysis, aged inventory & liquidation plans etc.
• Review relevant historical information and make recommendations to management and Wholesale customers for product segmentation in stores
• Build and manage a consumption tool to react early to plan across channels

Experience & qualifications

• Relevant Degree (Bcom) or related Diploma in Retail Management/Planning/Supply Chain/Merchandise Management
• Driver’s license essential
• Experience and understanding of import merchandising.
• A working knowledge of the latest Microsoft packages (Excel & PowerPoint knowledge is essential).
• In depth knowledge of technical footwear and brands
• Have a high degree of decision-making ability and be service orientated.
• Be assertive and communicate at all levels.
• Be a team player.
• A proven solid track record in buying
• An interest in and knowledge of trends
• Excellent planning, organising and interpersonal skills
• 3-5 year’s experience in similar role/ management experience
• Min 3 year’s experience in retail buying preferably as a footwear buyer
• Knowledge of ERP system