Clothing Buyer

**Job Advert Summary**: Deliver profitable & sustainable departmental growth by buying a balanced product range that meets and exceeds customer expectations within the agreed KPIs.
**Duties & Responsibilities**:
Conduct post season analysis as input into operating plan

Develop product mix plan at department level taking into account, customer needs, trend direction, competitive analysis, growth/exit of product categories, determining product objectives Identify range structure, pier tiering and key price points

Conduct weekly and monthly performance analysis and develop detailed action plan to ensure departmental KPIs are met and exceeded Identify opportunities within the season to maximize profit and grow market share

Manage Open to Buy (OTB) effectively to maximize sales and minimize markdown

Ensure all confirmed styles are loaded into SAP timorously

Manage critical path to deliver on time launches

Achieve/exceed margin through effective supplier negotiations and conduct open book costing and comparative costing (determine styles appropriate for cross costing, submit product specifications to selected suppliers, receive and evaluate quotes)

Review range to ensure that departmental strategy and KPI’s have been achieved

Execute packaging and in store signage needs in line with marketing/brand and promotional strategy

Conduct regular store and competitor visits to understand product performance, assortment balance and customer experience of the range and adjust where appropriate

Ensure departmental expenses are managed within the approved budgets

**Minimum Requirements**:
Bachelor’s Degree|Relevant Diploma ie Design, Clothing Management Retail Management.

Min of 3 Years Retail Buying experience (Clothing)

Must be computer literate - Microsoft suite SAP knowledge.

Computer literacy

**Competencies**:
A deep understanding of retail and brand ethos

Demonstrated taste level, flair and ability to interpret trends

Able to construct a balanced and profitable range

Strategic and proactive approach to problem solving

Business acumen

Strong and effective negotiation skills

Decision-making skills

Numerical, analytical and interpretive ability

Assertive and able to communicate effectively

High attention to detail

Innovation

Creative flair

Merchant mindset

Commercial and financial acumen

Ability to integrate into a dynamic team culture, while working toward shared goals

Ability to establish balanced a baby product range to grow market share

A strong sense of accountability and responsibility

**Additional Information**:
The successful incumbent must have the ability to demonstrate taste level, flair and to interpret trends and align with Pick N Pay values

Competency based interview to assess above requirements