I am looking for a BUYING MANAGER in Male Apparel with at least 5 years experience at a senior level within a clothing/footwear retail environment.
This is the perfect opportunity to join a high growth company and join an exceptional buying team.
This position reports directly to the BUYING DIRECTOR and comes with 11 direct reports.
The Male business unit is performing exceptionally well, it has enormous future growth potential, it is the largest business unit within the company, it caters to both pre-boys, boys & Men and will bring close to R2 billion in sales for this financial year.
Key focus areas for the Buying Manager will include executing the agreed strategy and meeting the needs of our customers in the implementation of our strategy.
The current ration of replenishment to fashion product is 40:60
The Company has performed exceptionally well for 2014-2015 financial year, and have achieved high profitability (Net Operating Profit) for the past few years.
With their short-term incentive bonus scheme being based on NOP, this is exceptionally good news. Buying Manager’s qualify for up to 50% of their annual TCTC package as their short-term incentive bonus.
The remuneration for this position is negotiable and is dependent on experience, knowledge, competencies and how closely the ideal candidate meets our spec.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Achieving & exceeding the Company’s inflow margin and GP Rands as signed off at the seasonal business plan meetings
Developing, influencing & driving the SBU’s seasonal product and purchasing strategy in line with the Company objectives (i.e. the Business Plan)
Effectively influencing the selection of merchandise in line with the approved product matrix to meet the target customers’ needs in terms of price, quality & fashionability, in order to deliver the Company’s agreed value proposition
Ensuring that the correct suppliers are sourced and selected for the SBU & managed according to Company policies & procedures
Determining & managing the merchandise procurement process to ensure on-time delivery as per the agreed Company critical path dates
Ensuring that the appropriate product is selected & proposed to maximise sales in support of the agreed marketing, sales and in-store visual merchandising plan
Developing & influencing cross-functional partnerships with all specified key relationships (Planning, Marketing, Product Technology, Operations & Supply Chain functional areas)
Leading & developing the Male Buying Team (12 direct reports) by implementing sound people management practices, employee relations & a climate & culture of high performance
Job Related Knowledge and Skills Required:
A comprehensive knowledge/understanding of SA’s retail clothing market, customers and competitors
Good judgement, together with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
The ability to influence across various levels and functions within the business
The ability to communicate effectively at all levels both within, as well as outside the company
Merchant skills and a sound commercial mentality
A flair/eye for product and building ranges to current trends
Excellent interpersonal, people management, team management & leadership skills
Sound strategic thinking skills, as well as the ability to formulate functional objectives related to business strategy
Exceptional planning, organising & time management skills
Conflict management skills
Networking skills & the ability to be resourceful
The ability to:-
be resilient, have tenacity and maintain high levels of drive & initiative under pressure
create a shared vision & to positively influence others
be assertive
work independently as well as be a team player
be deadline-driven & results driven
High energy levels to cope with the long hours, extensive travel and constant deadlines
Qualifications & Level of Experience Required
Essential:
Buying experience of which at least 5 years is at a senior level within a clothing/footwear retail environment.
Previous senior management experience to understand the inner workings & product strategies & philosophies of a business.
Integral understanding of the Clothing Retail Cycle & Buying process
Experience in developing strategy & implementing strategic interventions in a rapidly changing global & local context.
A Grade 12 Certificate / Matric
Preferred:
A relevant degree / qualification in Fashion, Textile Design / Clothing Production/ Product Development / Merchandising or a related field

If you are looking for a new challenge and you meet the necessary criteria, please submit your CV.

If you have not been contacted within a two week period, please consider your application as unsuccessful.
Please Note:-

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