Category Buyer

**Job Advert Summary**:
To compile and execute the category and divisional plans in line with the strategy, objectives and category group guidelines on format/margin and assortment strategies, specifically for the Value customer. To optimize the performance of the Value segment in the assigned divisions by having clear customer-category strategies in place that are aligned to the strategy, category group guidelines and being customer focused. The Value Buyer will effectively influence, inform, defend and define the fit-for-purpose Value insight to the Category strategy in conjunction with the Category Buyer > SBM > HOD hierarchies.

**Duties & Responsibilities**:
**Negotiation**

Understands negotiating position, key drivers, and desired outcomes; understands the importance of internal negotiation; 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/customer-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 categories, industry, and market; uses knowledge of industry practices, business trends, distribution methods, and the competitive environment to develop buying and trade 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 specific to Budget and elicits opportunity data; Supports the Category buyer 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, all in conjunction with the Category Buyer > SBM > HOD hierarchies

**Private Brand Strategy and Development**

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

**Merchandise and Customer Knowledge**

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

Develops merchandising, product, and trade solutions to achieve business goals and influence financial performance

Identifies and applies knowledge of key industry trends and market forces to positively impact the company’s offer and sales in the Budget segment.

**Minimum Requirements**:
Bachelor’s Degree

3 years retail experience and Category Management experience

Strong Financial Background

SAP, BI, Excel and PNP Process knowledge is an added advantage

**Competencies**:
Sound knowledge of buying fundamentals

Judgement and Decision Making

Networking and Relationship Building

Good Presentation skills

Excellent Communications skills (Verbal and Written)

Good Negotiation and Influencing skills

Advanced computer literacy (Excel & Powerpoint)

Ability to work under pressure and at pace

Ability to handle extensive administrative activities related to the category

Commerical and Financial Acumen including strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data

Ability to work within a matrix structure, gaining buy in and support across a number of functions

**Additional Information**:
Competency based interview to assess above requirments.