Senior Category Buyer - Kenilworth at Pick n Pay Stores Limited

Job Summary 

To set the category strategy and to oversee the execution of the strategy within the Bakery Category. Develop and implement the purchase and assortment plan for the category to optimise sales and buying margin. Manage the buying function across the category, mentor and coach buyers. Work as a leader within the cross functional structure to integrate all functions towards a common goal. To deliver the company budgeted financials.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferable
• 5-7 years retail and category management experience is essential.
• 5 yrs Bakery experience
• 5 yrs Facility Management experience
• SAP knowledge is an added advantage

Competencies:

• Strong & Respected leadership & Ability of working and leading a cross functional team
• Sound knowledge of buying fundamentals
• Strong financial background
• Manage multiple priorities with competing demands
• Ability to explain the scope of work and delegate as needed
• Influencing and sound negotiation skills
• Analytical thinking and Decision making
• Strong project management competencies
• Excellent communication skills – Written & Verbal
• Advanced computer literacy (Excel & PowerPoint)

Other Responsibilities

• Lead a cross functional team – integrating all parties and aligning towards a common goal
• Translate category-specific strategies into tactical buying plans that lead to category performance
• Lead and influence team members in the development of action plans and milestones required to implement buying plans and initiatives
• Maintain a positive working relationship with team members by building trust, treating them with respect, and involving them in decision making and problem solving
• Help team priorities and plan to deliver the goal / plan within the time allocated / business need requires. Manage complexity and pre-empt conflict situations so that they can be managed effectively in advance
• Make decisions based on customer, market, and industry data to capitalize on time-sensitive merchandising opportunities
• Collect comprehensive category data from multiple sources and generating suitable action by considering previous category performance as well as future consequences
• Analyze financial data to accurately diagnose business realities and forecast future financials (e.g. sales etc.)
• Leveraging knowledge of factors and trends that impact category performance and implement plans to mitigate
• Develop a mutual understanding and create alternate solutions to achieve mutually satisfactory outcomes during negotiations with Suppliers; mitigate disagreements by proactively anticipating objections and adjusting negotiating approach to minimize resistance
• Develop and manage relationships with suppliers to identify and capitalise on category growth opportunities
• Liaise regularly with suppliers to mutually share financial and other performance criteria; identify performance gaps and hold suppliers accountable; develop and implement contingency plans to close performance gaps
• Maintains a solid working knowledge of assigned category, industry, and market; use knowledge of industry practices, business trends, distribution methods and the competitive environment to develop buying plans

Closing Date - 06th December 2023