Job category: Other: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain
Location: Cape Town
Contract: Permanent
EE position: No
IntroductionTo deliver profitable and sustainable growth for the department/s this is under-pinned by the group strategy. To lead and inspire a team to deliver balanced product ranges through a customer led process that meets and exceeds customer expectations within the agreed KPIs.
· Integrate customer understanding through effective market segmentation.
· Review post season analysis by department/class sub-class as input in the development of the group strategy.
· Provide analysis, incorporate design direction and trend to develop the group strategy and 1-year operating plan in line with business strategy.
· Review departmental operational plans to ensure that they deliver into the group strategy
· Review range plan taking into account customer needs, trend direction, competitive analysis, growth/exit of product categories, determining product objectives that deliver to department operational plan.
· Review weekly and monthly performance with departments and consolidate identified solutions and develop action plan to ensure departmental KPI's are met and exceeded.
· Identify opportunities within the season to maximise profit and grow market share.
· Ensure management of Open to Buy to maximise sales and minimise markdown.
· Ensure buying processes are managed in line with merchandise cycle in order to deliver on time launch and against critical path.
· Lead the process in briefing the design team in line with group strategy in order to deliver a balanced range within agreed price architecture.
· Conduct product reviews, including financials, assortment plan, final product and reconcile assortment plan and financials with strategy.
· Lead and identify packaging and ticketing needs in line marketing/brand and promotional strategy.
· Ensure and conduct regular store and competitor visits to understand product performance, assortment balance and customer experience of range and adjust where appropriate.
· Manage supplier strategy to deliver Group KPI's in line with sourcing strategy.
· Improve margin through effective sourcing and supplier negotiations.
· Set and manage departmental financial and expense budgets in line with group's budget.
· Develop, motivate, inspire and lead the team to achieve and deliver the group strategy and plans that will ensure high performancethrough the effective use of the IPM process.
· Drive succession planning, EE transformation and develop talent within the teams.
· Up to 10 years retail buying experience in an apparel environment is essential
· A deep appreciation for WW product and brand ethos
· Extensive retail knowledge, both local and global
· Baby product knowledge and buying experience is preferred
· Demonstrate product leadership and direction
· Highly numerate
· Demonstrates taste level and flair
· Understanding of range building process
· Commercial acumen and financial savvy
· Ability to manage a team effectively through managing goals, identifying development needs and building buying competence
· Ability to take risks and adapt to changing circumstances that are in the best interest of Woolworths
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