HEAD OF BUYING - LINGERIE
Listing reference: woolw_000300
Listing status: Under Review
Apply by: 14 June 2022
Position summary
Industry: Wholesale & Retail Trade
Job category: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain
Location: Western Cape
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market related
EE position: Yes
Introduction
To deliver profitable and sustainable growth for the department/s this is under-pinned by the group strategy. To lead and inspire a team to deliver balanced product ranges through a customer led process that meets and exceeds customer expectations within the agreed KPIs.
Job description
- Integrate customer understanding through effective market segmentation
- Review post season analysis by department/class sub-class as input in the development of the group strategy
- Provide analysis, incorporate design direction and trend to develop the group strategy and 1 year operating plan in line with business strategy
- Review departmental operational plans to ensure that they deliver into the group strategy
- Review range plan taking into account customer needs, trend direction, competitive analysis, growth/exit of product categories, determining product objectives that deliver to department operational plan
- Review weekly and monthly performance with departments and consolidate identified solutions and develop action plan to ensure departmental KPI’s are met and exceeded
- Identify opportunities within the season to maximise profit and grow market share
- Ensure management of Open to Buy to maximise sales and minimise markdown
- Ensure buying processes are managed in line with merchandise cycle in order to deliver on time launch and against critical path
- Lead the process in briefing the design team in line with group strategy in order to deliver a balanced range within agreed price architecture
- Conduct product reviews, including financials, assortment plan, final product and reconcile assortment plan and financials with strategy
- Lead and identify packaging and ticketing needs in line marketing/brand and promotional strategy
- Ensure and conduct regular store and competitor visits to understand product performance, assortment balance and customer experience of range and adjust where appropriate
- Manage supplier strategy to deliver Group KPI’s in line with sourcing strategy
- Improve margin through effective sourcing and supplier negotiations
- Set and manage departmental financial and expense budgets in line with group’s budget
- Develop, motivate, inspire and lead the team to achieve and deliver the group strategy and plans that will ensure high performance through the effective use of the IPM process
- Drive succession planning, EE transformation and develop talent within the teams
Minimum requirements
- Relevant 3 year diploma or degree
- Up to 10 years retail buying experience in an apparel environment is essential
- A deep appreciation for WW product and brand ethos
- Extensive retail knowledge, both local and global
- Lingerie product knowledge and buying experience is preferred
- Demonstrate product leadership and direction
- Strong negotiation skills
- Highly numerate
- Demonstrates taste level and flair
- Understanding of range building process
- Strong merchanting ability
- Commercial acumen and financial savvy
- Ability to manage a team effectively through managing goals, identifying development needs and building buying competence
- Ability to take risks and adapt to changing circumstances that are in the best interest of Woolworths
