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 requirments

Applicable assessments may also be conducted