Category Buyer - Value at Pick n Pay Stores Limited

Job Advert Summary    

• To compile and execute the category and divisional plans in line with the strategy, objectives and category group guidelines on format/margin and assortment strategies, specifically for the Value customer.  To optimize the performance of the Value segment in the assigned divisions by having clear customer-category strategies in place that are aligned to the strategy, category group guidelines and being customer focused. The Value Buyer will effectively influence, inform, defend and define the fit-for-purpose Value insight to the Category strategy in conjunction with the Category Buyer > SBM > HOD hierarchies.

Minimum Requirements    

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 3 years retail experience and Category Management experience
• Strong Financial Background
• SAP, BI, Excel and PNP Process knowledge is an added advantage

Duties & Responsibilities    
Negotiation

• Understands negotiating position, key drivers, and desired outcomes; understands the importance of internal negotiation; 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.
• Manages disagreements and conflicts by using diplomacy and controlling emotions; anticipates negotiating roadblocks and objections

Category Strategy

• Develops and recommends business strategies that target category/customer-specific growth
• Evaluates merchandising plans and their business impact; makes recommendations for modifying plans based on findings 
• Identifies and recommends process improvements that target performance, quality, work efficiency / cost reduction

Category Performance

• Maintains a solid working knowledge of assigned categories, industry, and market; uses knowledge of industry practices, business trends, distribution methods, and the competitive environment to develop buying and trade plans;
• Implements and executes tactical buying plans, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as Pick n Pay’s overall business strategy

Supplier Relations

• Communicates regularly with suppliers to mutually share financial and other performance criteria specific to Budget and elicits opportunity data; Supports the Category buyer 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
• Develops and maintains relationships with suppliers; demonstrates confidence and expertise when interacting with suppliers, all in conjunction with the Category Buyer > SBM > HOD hierarchies

Private Brand Strategy and Development

• Implements and executes Private Brand category strategy, ensuring alignment with customer/category-specific growth strategies, as well as PnP’s overall business strategy

Merchandise and Customer Knowledge

• Applies knowledge of Pick n Pay’s merchandise and current promotions, price changes, and sales to enhance daily work
• Develops merchandising, product, and trade solutions to achieve business goals and influence financial performance
• Identifies and applies knowledge of key industry trends and market forces to positively impact the company’s offer and sales in the Budget segment.

Competencies    

• Sound knowledge of buying fundamentals                                                                  
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Networking and Relationship Building                                                         
• Good Presentation skills
• Excellent Communications skills (Verbal and Written)                                               
• Good Negotiation and Influencing skills
• Advanced computer literacy (Excel & Powerpoint)                                                    
• Ability to work under pressure and at pace
• Ability to handle extensive administrative activities related to the category
• Commerical and Financial Acumen including strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data
• Ability to work within a matrix structure, gaining buy in and support across a number of functions