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Job Description
To maximize sales and net profit for designated above average sized specialised portfolio by building and executing an appealing product assortment (style, quantity, quality and sourcing); of distinctive value, at the best price, aligned to the Company’s strategic objectives which delights the customer’s in store experience. Effectively manage product life cycle through continuous product innovation and development while constantly managing a multi season view (current, previous and future). Provide guidance and mentorship for others in Buying.
Responsibilities
Post Mortem & Seasonal Strategy
Analyse the accuracy of previous strategic plans, current trade, competitor analysis, supplier performance, product execution, marketing and trend feedback to draw lessons for portfolio to apply to future seasonal strategy.
Develop and present a seasonal product strategy for portfolio to achieve department targets, in line with Company strategy. Including post-mortem and current trade analyses, PMO targets, pricing strategies, supplier strategies, marketing & digital, and fashion trends, product calls, etc.
Assortment Building and Execution
Prepare and present a balanced product assortment for portfolio (considering sub cats, attributes, planned promotions, volume opportunities, testing, marketing, etc.) in line with seasonal strategies in order to meet department review plan targets. Brief designers on graphics, artwork or CADs/tech packs and source samples to gain approval for execution. Verify that all KPI’s, width & depth, PMO & sales targets are aligned.
Book and execute the approved product assortment in line with the approved budget, production timelines and quality standards in collaboration with Planning and Sourcing. Confirm and raise purchase orders and any amendments in full detail. Track the critical path to ensure product is delivered in store at the right time ensuring quality standards are met so that sales targets can be achieved.
Sourcing & Supplier Relationships (if applicable)
Build strategic supplier relationships and identify new partnership and territories for long term sustainability considering sourcing and departmental supplier strategy. Procure merchandise at the optimal total cost of ownership without compromising on quality and timelines and manage the critical path in order to ensure the timely delivery of quality products to our stores.
Current Trade
Continuously analyse the current season’s trade to ensure that it is executed according to plan in order to achieve strategic targets and budget. Review portfolio performance for related period for all KPI’s. Make appropriate trade decisions and take action to optimise opportunities in trade, minimise risk and manage stock levels. Communicate any changes from current trade to management and any other impacted departments.
Trend & Competitor Research and Development
Conduct trend and competitor analysis both locally and internationally in order to monitor market changes, competitor pricing, products and trends, to ensure that we delight our customers with wanted on trend product at the right price. Identify category growth and opportunities for portfolio through testing of new products from concept through to production.
Qualifications
Education:
Diploma or Degree
Experience:
5+ years (including technical product experience)
Manufacturing experience advantageous
Specific Knowledge:
Expertise knowledge of technical garment or product construction, Fabrics and fibres, Quality standards. Business strategy, retail market & industry knowledge, including trends, research and development. Numeracy and Computer literacy. Negotiation, Communication and Presentation skills.
Business Understanding:
Merchandise and business processes, commercial acumen and understanding of customers’ needs. Internal MRPG systems.
Mr Price Group Limited is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to Employment Equity.