Senior Footwear Buyer: Exact at TFG (The Foschini Group)

Responsibilities will include: 

• Successfully source and procure a balanced range of merchandise in line with company strategy and customer profile.
• Work closely with the planner, through analysis of previous sales patterns, market trends, forward trend direction and brand initiatives.
• Formulate departmental strategies to maximize sales and then timeously source and secure stock to implement strategies.
• Negotiate effectively to deliver value and profitability.
• Build and maintain good relationships with employees, suppliers partners and key functions in the business.
• Knowledge transfer through coaching and mentoring junior team members.
• Conduct buying trips independently and aligned with forward trend direction and sound category and customer understanding.
• Holistic and Strategic thinker, as well as consider specifics and detail.
• Assess complex situations and implement workable solutions.
• Communicate effectively at all levels.
• Team player and be able to foster collaboration across buying, planning, marketing and sourcing functions. 

The successful person will have: 

• Have experience as a Buyer (5+ years essential); of this buying experience 3- 4 years should be Footwear experience 
• An entrepreneurial, merchant-style of thinking
• Excellent planning, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• A proven track record in buying or a similar related field
• Contribute to growth / profit through innovative ideas
• Good analytical skills and high attention to detail
• An interest in and knowledge of trends.
• Uncompromising negotiation skills
• A good working knowledge of the current computer software packages (knowledge of Excel, Word & E-mail would be preferable). 

Preference will be given, but not limited to, candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.