Job Description

LADIESWEAR BUYER

An exciting opportunity for an independent, self-driven, highly motivated and experienced trader with vast experience and understanding of the Retail environment in South Africa.

Position is based in Cape Town.

OVERVIEW:

A commercial fashion retailer that offers ladieswear, men's wear, kids & infants wear, footwear, accessories, and a small element of home wear. Our customers are of the utmost importance to us as we strive to constantly offer them the great product at affordable prices.

OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE:

To build and source a balanced assortment of merchandise ensuring department sales targets, gross profit, pricing and overall product objectives are met and in line with the approved company strategy.

PRINCIPAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Product

Accountable to successfully source stock and build ranges congruent with customer profile

Build balanced assortments in accordance to planned unit requirements (includes stock and made to order product)

Ensure GP is achieved through mutually beneficial price negotiations

Build pricing architecture together with Planner to ensure all items are value for money and well-priced in the market

Develop well thought out test strategy to ensure newness is applied on a continuous basis to seek new opportunities (fabric, silhouette, fit, price) - key suppliers

Ensure all approvals are actioned within 24 -48 hours (lab dips, strike offs, CADs, fits)

Present product in all reviews: Range Review, Put-into-stock, Trade Meetings, Post Seasonal, Marketing and Strategy

Remain abreast of local and international trend and apply to trade accordingly

Admin requirements

Accurately complete brief sheets and issue to BA as soon as possible

Ensure all PO information is accurate prior to sign off.

Drive effective communication within the team (Planner, BA, AA) to ensure all administrative functions are being met

Attend to all internal and supplier queries timeously

Ensure all Post Seasonal / SWOT docs are completely correctly and product trends are clearly communicated by Buyer to Planner and implemented forward Strategy

Trade

Sit with Planner weekly to review (OTB, Weekly trade, Markdowns) and formulate solutions

React to best sellers timeously to ensure repeat or generic thereof is actioned

Maintain constant awareness of competitor product, price and opportunities through regular store visits (physical and online)

Ensure stock offers are timeously advised upon to ensure "deals" are not lost

Work with planner to agree to penalties / discounts due to non-compliance / late delivery

Stay informed of any delivery issues raised by team (BA, AA)

Maintain mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers that are in alignment with company best interest

Manage poor performance and risk with suppliers that are problematic (discounts, reduction of units)

Ensure weekly / every second week visit to Stride for stock opportunities

Ensure all products (stock and made-to-order) are fitted and in congruence with commercial spec

Make commercial decision together with Garment Technologist for any fit / sizing revisions

Advise management of any fit concerns

Actively participate in ensuring Marketing product is prioritized within range assortments

Drive team to ensure Marketing deadlines are met (BA, AA, Suppliers)

Ensure all information on Marketing sheet is correctly populated by BA prior to Management receiving

Approve bulk garments received from team as priority

Attend to store feedback / concerns and include necessary team members (Planner, Allocator, Manager, BA, AA) in order to resolve

Ensure New Store Openings are adequately assorted with "deals" in place according to deadline

PERSONAL QUALITIES AND TEAM DYNAMIC:

Effective time management

Demonstrable ability to drive forward work on own initiative

Facilitate culture of cross-learning / skills transference and being open to learn and share knowledge

Good understanding of and commitment to the work

Drive collaboration within team and ensure open communication and transparency

Demonstrable ability to motivate and enthuse others

Service- and goal-oriented style

Innovative and proactive personality

Seek to understand views of others and respectfully challenge with best interest of the business at the fore of all objectives

REQUIRMENTS:

Minimum 5 years retail experience

Tertiary qualification preferred

Excellent admin skills

Key negotiating skills

Great time management

Team player

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