Central Buying Analyst: Systems

Location Ackermans Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Job Purpose To ensure effectiveness of the business operations as identified through Buying Projects and efficient Systems Enablement related to Buying initiatives. Key Responsibilities Systems Enablement and Support Maintain and optimise buying related systems (e.g. PLM / Centric) Troubleshoot system issues and coordinate resolution with IT and external vendors. Ensure system stability and accuracy across all buying cycles. Provide first line system support to the buying teams Business Process Analysis and Improvement Analyse current buying processes and identify gaps, inefficiencies and improvement opportunities. Map end to end buying workflows and ensure alignment with system capabilities. Recommend enhancements that streamline buying operations and drive productivity. Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs and training materials. Buying Project Support Support buying related projects from initiation to implementation. Participate in project scoping, functional specification development, testing and roll‑out. Work closely with project managers to ensure buying requirements are fully understood and delivered. Conduct system testing (UAT), validate functionalities and provide input on go live readiness. Data Accuracy and Reporting Ensure accurate and consistent data capture across buying systems. Develop and maintain dashboards, reports and analytics that support decision making. Validate data integrity for assortment planning, costings, vendor data and product lifecycle management. Training and Change Management Assist in Training Buying Teams on new system features, upgrades and best practices. Communicate system changes clearly and manage user adoption. Deliver post implementation support and ongoing capability building. Stakeholder Collaboration Act as the link between Buying, IT, Merchandise Planning, Logistics and Finance (Systems Manager, Systems Analyst: Buying, Buyers, Buying Managers, Trend & Design Specialist, Product Technology Team Leaders, Fabric technologists, Buyer's Assistants, Central Buying Analysts; Planning Managers, Central Planning, Product Planners) Gather business requirements and translate them into technical specifications. Facilitate cross functional alignment for system changes and upgrades. Communication is: Professional & suited for the audience Consistent Accurate Simplistic Experience Required Essential 3 years’ experience in retail buying systems, merchandise systems or a business analyst role. Experience supporting or implementing retail systems (ERP/Centric) is highly beneficial. Preferred Exposure to retail buying processes and product development cycles. Project management Skills Required Working knowledge of merchandising systems (ERP Systems, PLM, Forecasting/Planning tools) Data analysis skills (Excel, Power BI) Understanding of system testing, configuration and functional support Project management skills Strong communication skills The ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical users The ability to communicate effectively at all levels within the company Merchant skills & a sound commercial mentality Excellent interpersonal skills Exceptional planning, organizing & time management skills The ability to be resilient, have tenacity and maintain high levels of drive and initiative under pressure Networking skills & the ability to be resourceful The ability to prioritise The ability to be assertive The ability to work independently, as well as be a team player Building effective relationships Knowledge Required Knowledge of the retail merchandise cycle with regards to Buying Knowledge of buying principles & strategies Qualifications Required Essential A Grade 12 Certificate/Matric A relevant Degree/Diploma in Business Systems, Information Systems, Supply Chain, Merchandising, Product Development or related field. Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Information Technology Industries Retail #J-18808-Ljbffr