PURPOSE Merchandisers provide service to customers and suppliers on sourcing, ordering, shipment and new product development. To proactively support Management, sub-ordinates and suppliers on day-to-day business activities. To continually source suppliers and product that fits the Pepkor PPS price and quality guidelines and to ensure on time delivery.
JOB DESCRIPTION/DUTIES Customer *Communication and ways of working with: Buying Team, Suppliers. *Continual new Supplier sourcing. *Critical Path (CP) set up and maintenance.
Supplier management (Sourcing) *Source new suppliers that fit PPS criteria. *New supplier recommendations will be discussed with Line Manager. *Supplier and Product Matrix’s will be kept updated. *CP will be monitored (work level). *Supplier management and updating on product. *Continual communication with supplier to ensure correct information control. *Product lifecycle control.
Operational *Forward Techpacks to supplier. *Obtain and negotiate required FOB targets from suppliers to obtain best value offer. *Preparation of pre-trip packs, buying trip itineraries for buyers and supplier briefings. *Develop products (samples) to meet requirements of buyers. Presentation of final offer. *Deliver a CP to ensure 100% on-time shipments. Provide reports to Buyers and Sourcing management. *Order follow up – samples, fit sealing, testing etc. *Follow through on product details such as artwork etc. *Supplier Visits and induction to PPS ways of working.
Product *FOB Pricing will be as requested targets, or better. *Will balance quality with Price. Price is main factor BUT NOT at expense of quality. *Samples to be checked against Techpack requirements. *Identify minimum standards according to retailer guidelines – assist suppliers on understanding. *Inform buyers of product information from supplier visits.
Finance *Achieve the category shipment budgets for the season. *Expenses to remain within budget.
People *Working relationships: o Sourcing Team o Sourcing Management o Buying Team o Suppliers
REQUIREMENTS *Minimum of 5 years’ experience in hard goods(Home Deco, Stationary, Luggage, Kitchenware, etc.) as Senior Merchandiser *Relevant University or Tertiary education. *Relevant working experience and exposure to international markets and buyers. *Relevant product knowledge inclusive of technical; Knowledge of sourcing practices. *Good communication skills and experience of working and visiting suppliers. *Written and spoken English *Negotiation skills; Computer skills.
