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**:
**Negotiation**

Understands negotiating position, key drivers, and desired outcomes; develops and presents factual, rational, and compelling arguments to build support and gain commitment from other parties; understands when to engage in counter-negotiations to reach win-win outcomes

Manages disagreements and conflicts by using diplomacy and controlling emotions; anticipates negotiating roadblocks and objections

**Category Strategy**

Develops and recommends business strategies that target category-specific growth

Evaluates merchandising plans and their business impact; makes recommendations for modifying plans based on findings

Identifies and recommends process improvements that target performance, quality, work efficiency / cost reduction

**Category Performance**

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

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

**Supplier Relations**

Communicates regularly with suppliers to mutually share financial and other performance criteria; uses metrics to identify performance gaps and hold suppliers accountable for achieving financial and other mutually agreed upon goals; develops and implements contingency plans to close performance gaps

Develops and maintains relationships with suppliers; demonstrates confidence and expertise when interacting with suppliers

**Private Brand Strategy and Development**

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

**Merchandise Knowledge**

Applies knowledge of Pick n Pay’s merchandise and current promotions, price changes, and sales to enhance daily work

Develops merchandising solutions to achieve business goals and influence financial performance

Identifies and applies knowledge of key industry trends and market forces in order to positively impact merchandising.

**Minimum Requirements**:
Bachelor’s Degree preferable

3 Years Retail experience and Category Management experience

Knowledge of General Merchandise within the respective categories would be advantageous

Previous travel to China advantageous and Strong understanding of Imports

Strong Financial Background, SAP knowledge is an added advantage

**Competencies**:
The ability to analyse, understand and utilise complex detailed information.

Reaching logical and methodological conclusions and generating suitable action by considering objectives as well as future consequences.

Effectively exploring alternatives and positions to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all parties.

Be able to promote organisations objectives and needs.

Conveying and receiving messages in a clear and concise manner and must be admin orientated.