Category Buyer - Kensington at Pick n Pay Stores Limited

Summary:

To compile and execute the category plans in line with the strategy, objectives and category group guidelines on format/margin and assortment strategies. To optimize the performance of the assigned categories by having clear category plans in place that are aligned to the strategy, category group guidelines and being customer focused

Qualifications:

• Preferably relevant University Degree
• 3-4 years retail experience
• Experience in Category Management
• Proven and consistent success on financial KPI’s
• SAP knowledge and Analysis is essential

Negotiation

• Understand negotiating position, key drivers, and desired outcomes; develops and presents factual, rational, and compelling arguments to build support and gain commitment from other parties; understands when to engage in counter-negotiations to reach win-win outcomes
• Manage disagreements and conflicts by using diplomacy and controlling emotions; anticipates negotiating roadblocks and objections

Category Strategy

• Use Category internal and external data to develop and recommend business strategies that target category-specific growth
• Evaluate merchandising plans and their business impact; makes recommendations for modifying plans based on findings
• Identify and recommends process improvements that target performance, quality, work efficiency / cost reduction

Category Performance

• Use internal and external data to understand category performance (sales, margin, availability, waste, stock, RTC, strike rates, own brand etc).
• Maintain a solid working knowledge of assigned category, industry, and market; uses knowledge of industry practices, business trends, distribution methods, and the competitive environment to develop buying plans
• Implement and execute tactical buying plans, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as Pick n Pay’s overall business strategy

Supplier Relations

• Communicate regularly with suppliers to mutually share financial and other performance criteria; uses metrics to identify performance gaps and hold suppliers accountable for achieving financial and other mutually agreed upon goals; develops and implements contingency plans to close performance gaps
• Develop and maintains relationships with suppliers; demonstrates confidence and expertise when interacting with suppliers

Private Brand Strategy and Development

• Implement and execute Private Brand category strategy, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as PnP’s overall business strategy

Merchandise Knowledge

• Apply knowledge of Pick n Pay’s merchandise and current promotions, price changes, and sales to enhance daily work
• Develop merchandising solutions to achieve business goals and influence financial performance
• Identify and apply knowledge of key industry trends and market forces to positively impact merchandising