Buyer - Footwear

An exciting opportunity has become available at Shoe City Support office within the Merchandise department, for a Buyer.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- To achieve and exceed the Company’s inflow margin,sales targets and GP Rands as signed off at the seasonal business plan meetings.
- To influence, drive and execute the seasonal product and purchasing strategy.
- To be responsible for researching, understanding and executing the relevant seasonal trends in line with the target market.
- To build a competitive product range according to the purchasing strategy.
- To source & select the correct supplier for the appropriate product category and manage them according to the Company policies and procedures.
- To ensure the timeous execution of procurement administration to meet the target dates in the critical path of the supply chain.
- To source and procure products within the agreed quality specifications & standards.
- To ensure compliance with agreed quality specifications & standards.
- To develop and influence cross-functional partnerships with all specified key relationships.

**Qualifications**:

- A Grade 12 certificate or equivalent is an essential requirement.
- A diploma or bachelor’s degree in the related field will be **advantageous**.

**Knowledge, Skills and Experience**:

- A minimum of **5 years** proven retail experience in footwear buying/procurement or experience within footwear manufacturing environment is **essential**.
- A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of footwear constructions and materials is Essential.
- A working knowledge of the latest Google packages (Slides & Sheets) and/or Microsoft is required.
- Be passionate about keeping up to date with the latest trends.
- Must be able to travel internationally.
- Is able to build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers.
- Is innovative, shows initiative and has a strong trader mentality.
- Have strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Have excellent relationship-building and networking skills.
- Is able to communicate effectively at all levels both within, as well as outside the company.
- Is a strong negotiator and is able to secure win-win agreements with others.
- Is able to be assertive and is focused on achieving deadlines.
- Is able to remain flexible, function under pressure and maintain a positive attitude and work performance in a variety of circumstances.
- Have excellent time management, organizing skills, administrative skills and presentation skills.
- Has a strong sense of integrity, and is honest and ethical in everything they do.