Merchandise Manager - Premium Sportswear/Eyewear Brand at Ares Holdings

Buying Strategy

• Attend seasonal sales meetings and other relevant travel requirements.  Select from the pre-existing range, making intuitive selections that suit the SA customer, so optimums can be achieved.
• Must be a 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 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
• With the sales and marketing functions, manage the full GTM sales process. 
• 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 brand 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 brand 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 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 brands in this market segment
• 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
• Knowledge of ERP systems