PURPOSE To manage a department ensuring optimized profitability by providing range of services: To proactively provide unbeatable service to customer retailers & Supplier; provide 360° support to top management, line management, sub-ordinates and suppliers on day-to-day business and operation activities. To continually source suppliers and product that fit the Pepkor GPS price and quality guidelines and to ensure on time delivery. JOB DESCRIPTION/DUTIES Customer 1. Communication and ways of working with: Buying Team, Account Managers, Suppliers, Supply Chain and Quality. 2. Conduit to disseminate information pertaining to updated product trends and related issues to and between Buying/Planning teams. Critical Path (CP) set up and maintenance. 3. Set up and monitor KPI’s in your respective area. 4. Oversee and keep checking on all development projects – new supplier search, product feedback – between buyers and Merchandisers. Supplier management (Sourcing) Supplier sourcing 1. Continually source new suppliers who fit the Pepkor PPS criteria 2. Will decide on the most appropriate supplier from current supplier base by investigating and analyzing all reasonable sourcing possibilities 3. Risk in the supply base will be minimized through continuous monitoring and management of high-risk suppliers (late deliveries; unreliable; lack of quality; etc.) 4. New supplier recommendations will be forwarded to Category Manager 5. Will ensure that all suppliers are available in the supplier data base (matrix) – both active as well as inactive suggestions. 6. Will establish and maintain good relationships with suppliers e.g. by ensuring he/she receives information on time 7. Sourcing decisions will be based on an accurate understanding of product trends and retailers’ consumer market requirements Supplier loading 1. Loading will demonstrate a balance between risk and GP 2. Production capacities per commodities will be accurately determined and monitored from suppliers 3. Will ensure that suppliers’ accept all aspects of the contract Operational 1. Cascade all good working practices to the less experienced markets 2. Will proactively liaise with Operations 3. Information about product trends will be communicated to buyers. Proactively source and develop new product(s) to meet buyers’ wishes 4. Accurate information on competitors’ cost and styling from supplier visits. 5. Establish KPI’s and ensure team meet these 6. Accountable for products meeting best FOB price as targets given by buyers. 7. Periodically update senior management on respective business (management meetings) 8. Monitor and ensure Merchandise team deliver CP updated on agreed time frame and given regular updates to Buyers. 9. Responsible for accuracy of POM data 10. Set up on-going team meetings and supplier meetings 11. Product development 12. Style and quality of products will satisfy the customer needs Product 1. Product pricing -Pricing will aim to stay competitive and to maintain market share (= best prices for comparable product in market) -Will balance quality with selling price -Will ensure suppliers submit open costing sheets -Will reflect good price rhythms in and across departments -Will maintain FOB throughout season -Realistic FOB targets will be negotiated with Head Buyer, Buyer 2. Product specification -Will adhere to QC and size minimum requirements -Will identify minimum requirements and set standards -Will develop the best material specification for price -Samples of all products will be checked and evaluated to ensure that it upholds the set standard of quality 3. Product fits -Will ensure 100% correct fit through appropriate methodology -Will develop pre-season specifications proactively. Finance - Managed Budget 1. Monitor and make sure that business budget is met – Turnover and expense. 2. Monitor and ensure FOB targets achieved and product margin meets buyers requirement. People - Coaching and supervising 1. Will provide technical coaching to trainees and/or merchandise assistants, where appropriate 2. Will contract goals and deadlines with merchandise assistants 3. Will provide and discuss clear instructions and guidelines 4. Will prioritize, schedule and allocate work 5. Will provide constructive feedback on contracted goals on a continuous basis 6. Will share relevant information REQUIREMENTS -Minimum of 5 years in sourcing and buying environment. Relevant working experience and exposure to international markets and buyers. Relevant working experience and exposure to international markets and buyers. -University graduate; Preferably a relevant qualification (textile and design course, etc.) -Computer skills; Negotiation skills; Financial skills, Leadership. -Written and spoken English and Chinese. -Relevant product knowledge inclusive of technical -Knowledge of sourcing practices, buying system and Buying process knowledge will be an advantage -Proficiency in Portuguese is a plus
