Buyer - Franchise

**Job Advert Summary**:
To compile and execute multiple category plans in line with the strategy, objectives and category group guidelines on format/margin and assortment strategies. To optimize the performance of the categories by having clear multiple category plans in place that are aligned to the strategy, category group guidelines and being customer focused.

**Duties & Responsibilities**:
Understand negotiating position, key drivers, and desired outcomes; develop and present factual, rational, and compelling arguments to build support and gain commitment from other parties; understand when to engage in counter-negotiations to reach win-win outcomes

Anticipate negotiating roadblocks and objections, ensuring any contractual agreements entered into are structured according to the regulatory controls in place

Develop and recommend business strategies that target category-specific growth for the categories

Evaluate merchandising plans and their business impact with business partners; make recommendations for modifying plans based on findings

Identify and recommend process improvements that target performance, quality, work efficiency / cost reduction

Maintain a solid working knowledge of assigned category, industry, and market; use knowledge of industry practices, business trends, distribution methods, and the competitive environment to develop buying plans

Implement and execute tactical buying plans, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as Pick n Pay’s overall business strategy

Integrate with Store Operations and Store teams to drive the implementation of the multiple category plans

Communicate regularly with suppliers to mutually share financial and other performance criteria; use metrics to identify performance gaps and hold suppliers accountable for achieving financial and other mutually agreed upon goals; develop and implement contingency plans to close performance gaps

Demonstrate confidence and expertise when interacting with business partners and suppliers whilst reinforcing the importance of Pick n Pay’s values, buying strategies Buying and Category Management experience essential and corporate initiatives

Implement and execute Private Brand category strategy, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as PnP’s overall business strategy

Develop and implement action plans to enable the attainment of the Agreement KPIs, financial goals, leveraging knowledge of factors and trends that are likely to impact financial performance of the categories

Work closely with various support teams internally and externally.
- Drive event specific promotional activity

**Minimum Requirements**:
BCom or Degree in Marketing/Business Management/Finance
3 -5 years retail or FMCG experience with category management knowledge
Strong Finance Background
Intermediate proficiency level in Excel and Powerpoint
SAP knowledge is a must

**Competencies**:
Ability to understand building of recipes and factoring in various relatable costs, from raw material to packaging
Ability to understand and analyse complex detailed information to identify the source of the issues and recommend solutions to enhance the category performance
Commerical and Financial Acumen
Judgement and Decision Making
Networking and Relationship Building
Excellent Communications skills (Verbal and Written)
Good negotiation and influencing skills
Good Presentation skills

**Additional Information**: The successful incumbent must have the understanding of all Commercial levers in a Fresh Food services environment