Opportunistic Buyer Infants and Ladies Wear - Cape Town Verfied

Salary Negotiable Cape Town, Western Cape Cape Town, Western Cape more than 14 days ago 03-03-2015 2:09:41 PM
31-03-2015 2:09:41 PM
We are looking for a resilient, self-reliant and confident go-getter, who understands key trends in Ladies & Infants outerwear and has the ability to interpret these to meet the needs of our customers.

The main purpose for this position is to find stock opportunities that will delight/surprise our customers in store. These items are special, exciting products that are sold at an absolute steal. The role is to find available stock in the local and international market.

We are looking for an individual who has a successful track record in the procurement of clothing in both ladies and infants wear however candidates with only ladies-wear experience and no or limited infants experience will also be considered.

Profile of candidate:-

Passion for negotiating and trading
Well-seasoned buyer who has a great eye for product and have the ability to think on their feet to make quick commercial decisions about product
This position is suited for a creative buyer who also has the confidence and comfort in taking calculated risks with product
A very independent role with a lot more risk taking, therefore being independent and confident is key
There will be less guidance and coaching
Able to identify any lost opportunities and see where there are any gaps in a range
The ability to re-engineer garments
A gut feel for what is going to happen
Sometimes you will be travelling on your own
You will collaborate with all 8-9 buyers in Infants and Ladies and you will report to the buying manager in ladies and the buying manager in infants
A relevant qualification in Fashion, Textile Design/Clothing Production/Product Development/Merchandising would be a definite advantage

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a retailer that is performing exceptionally well and to be a part of a highly energised and happy team.

This position for Buyer, reporting directly to the Buying Manager, is an exciting and challenging opportunity that will require the successful candidate to contribute significantly to enabling our Ladies & Infants business units to achieve its long-term sales and profit objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Achieving and exceeding the departmental inflow margin and GP Rands.
Influencing and executing the seasonal product and purchasing strategy for a given department/s.
Responsible for researching, understanding and executing the relevant seasonal trends in line with the target market and departmental purchasing strategy.
Building a competitive product range according to the purchasing strategy.
Selecting the correct supplier/s for the appropriate product category and managing them according to the Company policies and procedures.
Timeous execution of procurement administration to meet the target dates in the critical path of the supply chain.
Sourcing and procuring the correct products within the seasonal strategic framework in accordance with the agreed quality specifications and standards.
Liaising and collaborating with the Product Technologist (Packaging) with regards to packaging updates and innovations (including branding and labeling).
Reacting to in-season sales performance, in collaboration with Planning/Suppliers/Agents, to turn on/turn off stock in order to maximize agreed KPIs.
Liaising and collaborating with the SBU’s Product Co-Ordinator with regards to all marketing endeavours.

JOB RELATED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

We are looking for an individual who has:

a successful track record in the procurement of clothing (preference will be given to candidates who have experience in the procurement of Ladies- and Infant wear)
a comprehensive knowledge/understanding of SA’s retail clothing market, customers and competitors
an integral understanding of the Clothing Retail Cycle, critical path & buying process
a sound knowledge & understanding of relevant fabrics
an understanding of retail business systems and related processes
a flair/eye for product
relevant product knowledge with regards to styling & fits/silhouettes/construction
an understanding of product components (in order to effectively negotiate price)
a sound ability to analyse and work with numerical data
good judgment together with sound analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
merchant skills & a sound trader mentality
presentation skills
is competent in all the latest Microsoft applications (competence in Excel is important)
has an advanced ability to build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers
is an excellent negotiator and is able to secure win-win agreements with others
has excellent relationship-building and networking skills (cross-functional collaboration between Buying, Planning & Product Technology is essential)
has excellent time management, organizing and administrative skills
is able to:
identify, distinguish, understand and assess colours, CAD approvals and strike offs (buyers approve all fabric colors & prints/strike-offs and need to be able to effectively communicate feedback and corrective action to be take with regards to colors)
engineer garments/products to achieve the desired value proposition
travel (approximately 4-6 overseas trips a year)
prioritise
be assertive
work independently, as well as be a team player
understand and interpret trends relevant to the product category
create a shared vision and to positively influence others
build ranges
communicate effectively at all levels both within, as well as outside the company

QUALIFICATIONS AND LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

A Matric/Grade 12 certificate is an essential requirement.
A relevant qualification in Fashion, Textile Design /Clothing Production/ Product Development /Merchandising, or a related field would be a definite advantage.
A minimum of 3-5 years proven retail experience in the procurement of clothing in ladieswear is an important requirement.
Previous experience in a clothing manufacturing environment would be a definite advantage.

If you are looking for a change, up for the 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.