Buyer - Outdoor footwear

An opportunity has become available in our Cape Union Mart Outdoor footwear for a resilient, innovative and resourceful Buyer who can add value to our team through the successful trending, sourcing and procurement of merchandise for the private labels as well as branded footwear ranges within the Cape Union Mart chain.

Our ideal candidate will have the ability to significantly contribute towards the achievement of our department and business objectives as well as have the high energy levels required for this fast-paced, exciting and dynamic retail environment.

Requirements

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Range preparation, coordination and presentation
• Range execution in alignment with the business objectives
• Presenting range reviews
• Building and maintaining relationships with suppliers
• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts
• Effectively collaborating with the relevant stakeholders and departments
• Overseeing the Product Design, Quality and Fit
• Controlling sample stock
• Travel locally and internationally to attend trade shows, visit factories and research trends
• In-season trading
• General buying administrative functions

Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications Required:

• Grade 12 certificate and a relevant tertiary qualification is required
• A minimum of 3 years retail merchandise buying experience is essential
• Must have specialist knowledge on materials and construction of footwear
• 2 years product development experience in footwear is essential
• Deep understanding of technical footwear highly advantageous
• In-depth knowledge of the retail product life cycle, merchandise buying principles and critical path management
• A working knowledge of the latest Microsoft packages is required
• Candidates with Oracle and PLM experience will be given preference

Job Related Competencies:

• A passion for keeping up to date with trends and a creative flair for fashion
• The ability to adapt trends to our different target markets
• Proven negotiation skills
• Ability to understand and interpret trends
• Ability to make sound decisions together with effective problem-solving skills
• Strong trader mentality
• Proven strategic thinking skills
• Able to build and maintain influential relationships at various levels and across business functions
• Effective communication and presentation skills
• Solid organizing, planning, & time management skills
• High-level of conflict management
• The agility and resilience to maintain high levels of drive and initiative under pressure

Please note: The Cape Union Mart Group is committed to transformation. Appointments and promotions will be made based on candidates who best meet the requirements for the position. Preference will be given to candidates who will enhance the diversity of the team, aligned to our Employment Equity plan.