Senior Buying ManagerCape TownStrategy Development and ExecutionDevelop and execute seasonal product strategies in line with the company strategyWork closely with the Planning Manager to develop cohesive action plans to execute the brand strategyEvaluate strategic progress and pivot where necessary to achieve strategic objectivesIdentify key macro and micro economic trends that will impact the implementation of the buying strategy and plan accordingly.Product DevelopmentOwn and manage the product development cycle from range conceptualisation to design, pre-production sample approvals and bulk production approvals.Manage the range architecture and price tiering of seasonal ranges ensuring a credible and balanced assortment is on offer across store grids and online channels.Ensure relevant global trends are well represented in the range and aligned to customer preferencesEnsure authentic product execution in line with the brand ethosDeliver a clear value proposition in support of the brand positioning.Sign off product strategy at various review stages in the product development processKPI and Trade ManagementDisplay a clear understanding of the business against weekly, monthly and seasonal sales performance to plan.Drive key action plans based on current performance to maximise sales, improve sales margin and minimize markdown.Drive an in-season trade mentality in your buying team that displays agility and quick decision making to shift the outcome of sales.Manage key performance indicators including sales, sales margin, clearance and stock management.Cross Functional Collaboration and CommunicationMaintain a collaborative relationship with the planning, e-commerce, marketing and store operations teams to ensure cohesive execution of product strategiesProvide guidance and support to the marketing team on product launches, promotions and product initiativesSupplier ManagementForge strategic partnerships with key suppliers by aligning supply base to the business strategyEvaluate and manage supplier performance on a regular basis and identify potential risks within the supplier loading.Negotiate with suppliers to achieve margin targets and improve lead time efficiencyMaintain strong relationships with existing vendors and explore opportunities for new partnershipsEnsure suppliers are compliant with the Group's social and ethical requirements and contribute towards the brand's sustainability strategyTeam Leadership and Talent ManagementEnsure that assigned team is effectively resourced, directed, motivated and developed to enable team members to reach their full potential.Drive and develop the performance of the team with a view to optimise delivery and achievement of objectives whilst effectively managing performance issues or concernsEnsure learning and development opportunities are available to the team.Cultivate a culture of high performance, accountability and continuous improvement within the team to optimise sales and deliver KPI's.Mentor, coach and develop the team to support their career developmentManage various functions within the buying department including buying, design and quality assurance and ensuring alignment across these functions.Critical Path and Lead Time ManagementEnsure buying critical path aligns to the merchandise cycle to deliver the on time launch of product.Evaluate buying process efficiency and evolve process accordingly to support faster and more accurate decision makingConstantly identify opportunities to reduce lead timesProject ManagementParticipate and align business projects to group strategic projectsImplement and evolve key retail projects such as 3D, sustainability and quick responseMarket AnalysisConduct regular store and market visits to understand the competitor landscape and identify new opportunities for growthQualifications and Experience:A relevant tertiary qualificationMinimum 3 years working experience at a management level, including people/team managementMinimum 10 years relevant buying/merchandise experience is essentialSkills:Proven track record in building and maintaining strategic supplier relationshipsProven track record and ability to drive a merchandise strategy by demonstrating innovative and creative thinkingAbility to persuade and influence both internal and external stakeholdersAbility to work well under pressure and deliver to aggressive deadlines, including problem solvingExceptional analytical ability to effectively evaluate and drive functional KPIs, including sales growth, PIS, CSOH, input- and maintained margins, stock turn, clearanceStrong written and verbal communication at all levels of organisationProven leadership and people management abilityBehaviours:Applies market and business insights in order to drive organisational objectivesForms, develops and leads a group of individuals toward the achievement of a common team objectiveCreates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of creativity which drives successThinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the organisationDevelops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectivesUnderstands and navigates dynamics created by processes, systems, and peopleAssesses and improves the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of various work processesQuickly adapts and acquires new knowledge, skills, and competencies in a rapidly changing environmentInterprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems
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