Job category: Other: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply ChainLocation: Cape TownContract: PermanentEE position: NoIntroductionTo build a customer-focused and profitable seasonal product strategy that aligns with the company strategy and brand filter, ensuring it is trend-appropriate and commercially viable. You will oversee the journey from product conception to in-store execution, ensuring a balanced range. Deliver on-brand product execution that resonates with our customers. Collaborate with key stakeholders including Planning, Design, Sourcing & Production, Marketing and Sales to meet sales targets and KPIs. Additionally, you will manage, coach and mentor Buyer 1 and the Buyers Assistant, fostering growth and excellence within your team.Key ResponsibilitiesSeasonal Plan Execution:Develop and execute a seasonal plan in collaboration with Planning, Sourcing, and Design, ensuring alignment with KPIs and strategic objectives. Present seasonal plans focused on key categories and channel considerations.Product Range Development:Lead workshops to design a profitable, on-brand product range that meets customer expectations, considering trends, international benchmarks, and growth/exit strategies. Partner with Design and Sourcing to manage product development, supplier selection, costing, and tech pack approvals, ensuring alignment with critical path milestones.Customer Insights & Market Research:Conduct market and trend research using tools to analyse competitors and customer preferences. Collaborate with Marketing to understand customer insights and propose strategies to optimize the in-store and online customer experience.Trading the Range:Conduct weekly sales analysis to monitor performance and drive trade decisions. Work closely with Sourcing and Planning to adjust strategy, suggest promotions and address product performance. Communicate trade-driven changes to other departments.People Leadership:Mentor and develop Buyer I and Buyer's Assistant, ensuring skills transfer, career development and performance management. Support new ways of working and the adoption of systems and processes.Stakeholder Collaboration:Build strong relationships with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure smooth product development and execution.Minimum RequirementsA relevant degree/qualification in Fashion, Textile Design/Product Development/Merchandising, or a related field.5-8 years buying experience is essential.Homeware Buying experience preferred.Proven track record of leading product development and buying strategies in homeware or fashion retail.People management and coaching skills, ability to manage self, buyer and buyer's assistant.Computer literate with proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, PLM.Knowledge of current trends and proven ability to interpret trends and conceptualise products.Strong administratively, proactive and well-structured ways of working.Excellent understanding of market, awareness of locally and international with a creative flair to interpret forthcoming moods, trends and themes.Demonstrates the ability to think strategically and formulate effective plans and strategies.Understanding of business and buying processes and systems.Retail market and industry knowledge.Knowledge of markdown and mark up pricing, visibility to drive sales, sell-through.Proven experience in delivering and executing business and BU strategy.Ability to travel both locally and internationally.
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