Buyer - Poetry Homeware

An opportunity has become available in our Leisurewear Department for a resilient, innovative and resourceful Buyer who can add value to our Poetry Team through the successful trending, sourcing and procurement of Homeware merchandise for our Poetry brand.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Critical Path, order management and range execution in alignment with the business objectives
- Creative product development of fashionable, yet commercial product ranges and appropriate route to market strategies
- Range preparation, coordination and presentation
- Presenting range reviews, post seasonals and marketing briefs
- Drive continuous progression of sourcing new suppliers and new products with both a local and international mindset
- Negotiate and manage supplier contracts and the successful onboarding of new suppliers
- Building and maintaining persuasive and impactful relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Effectively collaborating with the relevant stakeholders and departments to support your categories to optimal performance.
- Overseeing the Product Quality and Suitability
- Controlling sample stock through effective OTB management and active trading, linked to product performance
- General buying administrative functions
- Project manage across e-commerce, marketing, store communication and merchandise to ensure timely exposure of appropriate products

**Requirements**:

- Grade 12 certificate and a relevant tertiary qualification is required
- 3-5 years of retail merchandise buying experience is essential
- Experience working in a homeware or clothing retail environment is advantageous
- Nice to have experience in any of these categories: Bath & Body (wellness), Furniture, Gifting, Decor
- Working knowledge of the retail cycle and merchandise buying principles and processes
- A working knowledge of the latest Microsoft packages is required.

**Job Related Behavioural Competencies**:
? A positive yet objective disposition
? Analytical thinking and problem solving
? Drive to ensure continuous progress.
? Is able to prioritise, communicate where necessary and follow through
? Eagerness to learn.
? Willingness to roll up sleeves, jump in and do what it takes across all levels of the business
? Time Management and ability to meet deadlines and overcome challenges.
? Ability to clearly and concisely articulate problems and offer solutions on how to solve them.
? Being proactive and taking initiative in your role.
? Ability to effectively work in a team environment while being self-directed and highly motivated.
? Team player
? Ability to build strong relationships and have influence
? Verbal and written communication skills
? Has the ability to understand the bigger picture and impact of decisions/actions
? Prioritises workload and communicates openly and effectively with team and leader