BUYER: PET & BABY

Job category: Other: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain

Location: Cape Town

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: No

Introduction

Responsible for the execution of the HPPC strategy. Co-ordinates the delivery of the category strategy to deliver sustainable profitable growth and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategy to ensure delivery of operational excellence.
• Support the co-ordination of the matrix team in order to deliver the category strategy.
• Analyse and interpret market and sales data to develop tactical plans to drive the desired outcome.
• Formulate category plans with suppliers.
• Monitor and interpret industry and international trends (doing both local and international benchmarking).
• Deliver against operational excellence and KPIs for the department.
• Focus on medium-term sustainable market share growth.
• Ensure the delivery of sustainable growth for category level.
• Co-ordinate matrix team to effectively deliver KPIs.
• Facilitate team direction and pace to effectively deliver KPIs.
• Assist team in navigating through obstacles.
• Mentor and support the development of Buyers Assistants.
• Share category strategy with stakeholders and get their buy-in.
• Conduct continuous review of supplier performance against plan and course correct based on variables/changes.
• Monitor and ensure adherence to ethical compliance.
• Liaise with marketing, sales management, space planning & trade planning to effectively drive the growth of the category.
• Review factors influencing trade (e.g., market share, local & international trends, economic climate, competitor activity & changes to customer shopping habits) and translate into strategy.

Minimum Requirements

• Tertiary diploma/degree.
• Minimum 3-5 years Buying/Retail experience.
• Pet and Baby experience would be advantageous.
• Commercial skills & experience within the Nonfoods Industry (Household, Pet, Media, and Personal Care)– knowledge of store operations, customer profiles, locations & competitors.
• An understanding of Manufacturing and Production planning within a private label supplier would be advantageous.
• Proven experience in managing a Foods/FMCG department.
• Proven sourcing and supplier management experience.
• Strong negotiation and financial management skills.
• Proactive & innovative with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Intimate understanding of the customer and the ability to view the world through their eyes.
• Strong understanding of global & seasonal trends.
• Ability to consistently make logical deductions from given information and transform the department.
• Clear and confident communication skills when interacting with teams.
• Drive the creation and development of convenient and innovative products, services, and experiences for customers.
• Anticipate potential obstacles and identify project risks impacting deadlines and delivery, escalating these risks where appropriate.
• Knowledge of appropriate retail department systems and related processes across the value chain to manage objectives and enhance problem-solving abilities.
• Manage supplier delivery against business standards and values, maximising value and reducing risks through identification and resolution of limitations/shortcomings.