The role is responsible for choosing products that will be sold in South Africa. With a given budget, the Merchandise Manager is tasked with picking products based on demand and trends in the industry. The incumbent is also required to work closely with the sales team to select a segmented range by category, division, and gender for all accounts.Buying StrategyAttend seasonal sales meetings and other relevant travel requirements. Select from the pre-existing range, making intuitive selections that suit the SA customer, so optimums can be achieved.Must be a subject matter expert in terms of product features, specifications, and categorisation.Establish shipment plan and identify consolidation opportunities for cost reduction based on OOR reconciliation.Understand the current retail strategy and make recommendations in developing product strategies and range building in line with the business vision.Maintain strong awareness of the commercial potential of products in the market from a price point of view and assist in developing appropriate pricing structures.Assist Planner in identifying sales patterns for future seasons and place forecasts and orders for the SA market.Operational PartnershipsManage the delivery of samples to Head Office as necessary, maintaining responsibility for this inventory until signed over to the relevant merchant.Work with marketing, sales, and Planner to set up promotions to drive underperformers to clear stock.Conduct sell-ins promoting new, fresh products to Retail.With the sales and marketing functions, manage the full GTM sales process.Review previous season merchandise with Planner to identify possible reasons for success or non-performance and note for future reference.Ensure optimal samples are selected that are applicable to the South African market.Ensure that buy-plans are well detailed and clearly understood by team members and relevant stakeholders.Meet range development deadlines in order to ensure supplier deadlines are met.Manage stock levels in line with orders.Assist Retail Ops team in the opening of new Brand House stores with specific focus on stock planning.Ensure along with Visual Merchandiser and Retail manager that products are displayed in all stores according to brand standards.Manage the reconciliation of OOR against purchase orders identifying irregularities and highlighting this to the Planners.Ensure accurate requested ship dates to ease cash flow pressures.Reporting & AnalyticsDevelop and continually evaluate all reports in order to monitor stock arrival in SA, sales, history, seasonal sales analysis, aged inventory, etc.Report on inventory tracker and forecasting report.Feedback market trend information to the brand team and suggest best merchandising practices to maximise turnover.Assist in the mapping and architecture of the IT system for order management, logistical support, buying, point of sale, order tracking, and BI tools, etc.Review relevant historical information and make recommendations to management for product segmentation in stores.Build and manage a consumption tool to react early to plan across channels.Minimum RequirementsRelevant Degree (Bcom) or related Diploma in Retail Management/Planning/Supply Chain/Merchandise Management.Experience and understanding of import merchandising.A working knowledge of the latest Microsoft packages (Excel & PowerPoint knowledge is essential).In-depth knowledge of brands in this market segment.Have a high degree of decision-making ability and be service-oriented.Be assertive and communicate at all levels.Be a team player.A proven solid track record in buying.An interest in and knowledge of trends.Excellent planning, organising, and interpersonal skills.3-5 years' experience in a similar role/management experience.Min 3 years' experience in retail buying.Knowledge of ERP systems.Should you not be contacted regarding this position within 3 weeks from the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful.
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