Buyer (Clothing)

**Purpose of the Job**:
The purpose of the Buyer role is to execute the buying strategy of the Shoprite Group through the planning, selection and procurement of a range of products within a category that results in the achievement of profitability goals and targets. The Buyer executes all aspects of the buying process for a product category, creating a compelling assortment that meets financial targets and supports brand objectives. The role further ensures sales growth and increase in gross margins by considering market trends and customer demand in terms of price, quality and availability when making purchasing decisions. The Buyer works collaboratively with suppliers, category, marketing and store operations teams to execute the buying strategy, ensuring a consistent customer experience and aligned execution of pricing, promotions, ranging, display and layout.

**Job Objectives**:
Product range and line determination
Develop and select products that align with the brand’s identity, quality standards, and price points.
Conduct market research to understand competitor offerings and consumer preferences.
Ensure a balanced product selection assortment catering to customer needs and preferences.
Collaborate with the design team to identify the season’s theme, colour palette, and fabric selection.
Ensure first place in the market by maintaining price competitiveness.
Ensure a comprehensive coverage of categories through effective range rationalisation, aligned to strategy and brand logic.
Develop and select product that align with the brand’s identity, quality standards, and price points. Ensure a balanced and tasteful product selection assortment that caters to various customer needs and preferences.
Maintain effective administration (across all areas)
Ensure commitment to environmental responsibility, driving sustainable fabrics.
Product pricing administration
Maintain competitiveness in cost and selling prices
Base price objectives on knowledge of market prices, current trends and/or market leaders
Effectively utilise negotiation to achieve pricing objectives
Ensure confidentiality is maintained regarding sensitive information
Advertising and promotions management
Selection of lines and management of price points
Continuously track competitor pricing
Ensure availability of stock at suppliers
Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers. Negotiate prices and deliveries to ensure the best outcome. Continuously evaluate their performance in terms of quality, on-time delivery, and pricing.
Manage the critical path and timelines of the product development process with suppliers to ensure on time deliveries.
Timeously supply information to Marketing
Resolve stock level issues in stores and distribution centres
Remain up to date with price movements and shortages in order to proactively advise the distribution centres
International sourcing
Identify potential gaps and international trends in order to source profitable products
Manage the end-to-end supply chain process
Determine merchandising layout that is practical and reflective of consumer patterns

**Qualifications**:
Degree or Diploma in Clothing Management or Fashion Design

**Experience**:
+2 years’ experience in a clothing buying role, with demonstrable experience executing all aspects of the buying process for a in a large retail organisation
Demonstrable experience with sourcing and supplier management along with complex vendor / supplier negotiations
Well-developed understanding of supply chain concepts, processes and systems
Comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing a product’s cost and selling prices
Knowledge of commercial and financial trade-offs in category sales
Understanding of the retail value chain and profitability drivers
Proficiency in MS Office 365 with advanced Excel skills

**Knowledge and Skills**:
Buying focus - Highlights commercial thinking around P&L. Provides input into, aligns with, and supports sales targets. Identifies, and pursues new buying opportunities to optimise revenue generation. Understands their target audience and is able to predict future trends so that they can purchase what customers want.
Analytical, data-driven, and highly numerate - Ability to analyse complex and multiple data sources, identify trends and develop accurate conclusions to support category decisions. Understands and is able to deal with complex buying / procurement processes including negotiations.
Commercial acumen - Understands business and financial principles in the retail environment. Navigates key processes, issues and risks that drive success; and how they impact on commercial viability and profitability.
Passionate about the customer and obsessed with the latest consumer products and trends and making customers’ lives easier.
Organised with a focus on execution, quality, and continuous improvement. Good decision making and prioritisation skills, especially when multiple trade-offs are involved, and fast de