Buyer I WOMAN Standalone Business Unit at Ackermans

• We are looking for a resilient, efficient and vibrant go-getter to successfully select, propose and procure appropriate merchandise in accordance with the Company's business strategy for the Ackermans WOMAN standalone stores and to grow this area of our business. This position, reporting directly to the WOMAN Executive, is an exciting and challenging opportunity that will require the successful candidate to contribute significantly to enabling our business to achieve its shortand long-term growth and profitability objectives. 

Qualifications    

• A Matric/Grade 12 certificate
• A relevant qualification in Fashion, Textile Design /Clothing Production/ Product Development /Merchandising, or a related field 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience    
We are looking for an individual who has:

• knowledge of SA’s retail clothing market, customers and competitors
• an understanding of the Clothing Retail Cycle, critical path & buying process
• an understanding of relevant trends with a flair/eye for acceptable product for our target market
• relevant product knowledge with regards to styling and constructions
• an understanding of product components
• a sound ability to analyse and work with numerical data
• merchant skills & a sound trader mentality
• presentation skills
• a passion for keeping up to date with the latest trends, styles and colours
• is competent in all of the latest Microsoft applications

Is able to:

• identify, distinguish, understand and assess colours, CAD approvals and strike offs, engineer garments/products to achieve the desired value proposition
• travel (approximately 4-6 overseas trips a year)
• understand and interpret trends relevant to the product category
• create a shared vision and to positively influence others
• build ranges
• communicate effectively at all levels both within, as well as outside the company
• build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers
• effectively negotiate and secure win-win agreements with others

Experience:

• 3 to 5 years proven retail experience in womenswear merchandise

Key Responsibilities    

• To continuously develop and adapt product strategy to effectively deliver to the business unit
• To achieve and exceed the departmental inflow margin and GP Rands, as signed off at the seasonal business plan meetings.
• To build a competitive and balanced range by understanding, interpreting & applying the relevant seasonal trends according to the purchasing strategy.
• To ensure the timeous execution of procurement administration; and to source & procure the correct products in accordance with the agreed quality specifications and standards
• To continuously react to trade in terms of performance
• To ensure that the range supports agreed marketing campaigns and in-store VM
• To continuously develop product and consistently execute product to offer best value
• To effectively build and maintain supplier relationships, select the correct supplier for the appropriate product category and manage them according to the Company policies and procedures with reference to the approved business plan.
• To effectively maintain internal stakeholder relationships

Closing Date    
2023/05/23