Buyer Commodities

**Job Advert Summary**:
To compile and execute multiple category plans in line with the strategy, objectives and category group guidelines on format/margin and assortment strategies. To optimize the performance of the categories by having clear multiple 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**

Uses Category internal and external data to develop and recommend 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**

Uses internal and external data to understand category performance (sales, margin, availability, waste, stock, RTC, strike rates, own brand etc).

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 to positively impact merchandising

**Minimum Requirements**:
BCom or Degree in Marketing/Business Management/Finance

3 -5 years retail or FMCG experience with extensive Commodity buying knowledge

Strong Finance and Commercial knowledge

In-depth knowledge of store operations and execution combined with Commodity buying experience

Intermediate proficiency level in Excel and Powerpoint

SAP knowledge is an added advantage

**Competencies**:
Sound knowledge of buying fundamentals and in depth knowledge of product costings

Ability to understand and analyse complex detailed information to identify the source of the issues and recommend solutions to enhance the category performance

Have the understanding of all Commercial levers in Foods retail

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

Judgement and Decision Making

Networking and Relationship Building

Excellent Communications skills (Verbal and Written)

Sound Negotiation and Influencing skills

Good Presentation skills

Advanced computer literacy (Excel & Powerpoint)

Ability to handle extensive administrative activities related to the category

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

Ability to work under pressure and at pace

**Additional Information**: The successful incumbent must have the understanding of all Commercial levers in a Fresh Food services environment