Head of Buying - Totalsports

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the buying team to conceptualise and implement the merchandise strategy in line with overall company strategy
• Deliver the defined turnover growth and margins
• Product and trend direction, development and sourcing to meet the fashion, price expectation and quality standards of consumers. This involves finding suppliers who can provide high-volume, technical items without compromising on quality.
• Branded partner strategy - managing the relationship with branded partners and ensuring a win-win outcome in all dealings. Balancing range, offer and margin across various brands.
• Negotiate terms with suppliers in line with overall margin, service and quality targets
• Ensure reliable source of supply through sound process and effective supplier relationships
• Pricing strategy, setting competitive pricing strategies that attract customers while maintaining profitability. The Head of Buying must balance external price pressures with internal cost controls
• Manage and control stock levels based on seasonal forecasts and planning, incl. replenishment product categories
• Ensure that assigned team is effectively resourced, create context for strategy and effectively develop talent pipeline
• Responsible for ongoing management of purchasing strategy and activity and for ensuring optimal supplier performance and price.
• Market analysis and trends, keeping abreast of market trends and consumer behaviours to anticipate demand and adjust buying strategies accordingly. This includes understanding the dynamics of the sport retail market and seasonal fluctuations
• Cross-functional collaboration, working closely with merchandise planning, marketing, store operations, and finance teams to align the buying strategy with broader company goals. This collaboration helps in crafting promotions and in-store presentations that maximize sales
• Lead and manage a Team of Buyers to deliver the appropriate support to the business to meet corporate and business development objectives.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Post Graduate Degree - 10+ relevant years
• Minimum 8 years working experience at a senior management level, incl. people/team management
• Minimum 15 years relevant buying / merchandise experience is essential
• Proven track record in building and maintaining strategic supplier relationships
• Proven track record and ability to drive a merchandise strategy by demonstrating innovative and creative thinking
• Demonstrate experience of leading a purchasing function with a proven track record in strategic purchasing leadership delivering effective purchasing strategies
• Ability to work comfortably at both a strategic and operational level
• Ability to drive change, persuade and influence both internal and external stakeholders (often without direct authority)
• Demonstrate a high level of maturity, emotional intelligence and insight into diverse teams and individuals
• Ability to work well under pressure and deliver to aggressive deadlines, incl. problem solving
• Exceptional analytical ability to effectively evaluate and drive functional KPIs, incl. sales growth, PIS, CSOH, input- and maintained margins, stock turn, clearance
• Strong written and verbal communication at all levels of organisation
• Exceptional leadership skills incl. the ability to attract, hire, retain and motivate assigned team members and talent pool

Skills:

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data, generate insights, and make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a team, fostering a positive work environment and driving results.
• Strategic mindset with a focus on long-term growth and sustainability.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, evolving retail environment.

Behaviours:

• Readily takes on new challenges and opportunities with a sense of urgency and eagerness
• Builds strong relationships with partners and suppliers
• Effectively influences others to ensure a win-win outcome
• Forms, develops and leads a group of individuals toward the achievement of a common team objective
• Effectively works with others to achieve shared goals
• Creates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of creativity which drives success
• Understands, anticipates, and meets the needs and expectations of customers
• Consistently makes timely, well-rounded and informed decisions
• Inspires, motivates and empowers individuals to go above and beyond for the benefit of the team and the organisation
• Sets ambitious goals and takes focused action to achieve desired outcomes to deliver measurable results
• Communicates a clear and inspiring purpose and vision that engages people
• Takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets
• Inspires trust and gains the confidence of others by displaying honesty and integrity
• Interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems
• Assesses and improves the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of various work processes
• Effectively adjusts their behaviour, approach, and decision-making based on the situation
• Thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the organisation

Preference will be given, but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.