Junior Category Buyer

**Job Advert Summary**:
To compile and execute the category plans in line with the strategy, objectives and category group guidelines on format/margin and assortment strategies. To optimize the performance of the assigned categories by having clear 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 are structured according to the regulatory controls in place

Develop and recommend business strategies that target category-specific growth

Evaluate merchandising plans and their business impact; 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 category plan

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 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 financial goals, leveraging knowledge of factors and trends that are likely to impact financial performance of the category

**Minimum Requirements**:
Preferably relevant university Degree

1-2 years retail experience, prefereably within store operations combined with category knowledge, as well as in store execution

Buying and Category Management experience will be advantageous

Strong Financial Background

SAP knowledge is an added advantage

**Competencies**:
Knowledge of buying fundamentals and product costings

Good analytical skills to 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**:
Competency-based interview to assess above requirements