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

Location: Cape Town

Contract: Permanent

EE position: No

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.

Key Responsibilities

1. Integrate customer understanding through effective market segmentation.
2. Review post-season analysis by department/class sub-class as input in the development of the group strategy.
3. Provide analysis, incorporate design direction and trend to develop the group strategy and 1-year operating plan in line with business strategy.
4. Review departmental operational plans to ensure that they deliver into the group strategy.
5. Review range plan taking into account customer needs, trend direction, competitive analysis, and growth/exit of product categories, determining product objectives that deliver to department operational plan.
6. Review weekly and monthly performance with departments and consolidate identified solutions and develop action plans to ensure departmental KPIs are met and exceeded.
7. Identify opportunities within the season to maximize profit and grow market share.
8. Ensure management of Open to Buy to maximize sales and minimize markdown.
9. Ensure buying processes are managed in line with merchandise cycle in order to deliver on-time launch and against critical path.
10. Lead the process in briefing the design team in line with group strategy in order to deliver a balanced range within agreed price architecture.
11. Conduct product reviews, including financials, assortment plan, final product, and reconcile assortment plan and financials with strategy.
12. Lead and identify packaging and ticketing needs in line with marketing/brand and promotional strategy.
13. Ensure and conduct regular store and competitor visits to understand product performance, assortment balance, and customer experience of the range and adjust where appropriate.
14. Manage supplier strategy to deliver Group KPIs in line with sourcing strategy.
15. Improve margin through effective sourcing and supplier negotiations.
16. Set and manage departmental financial and expense budgets in line with the group's budget.
17. 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.
18. Drive succession planning, EE transformation, and develop talent within the teams.

Minimum Requirements

1. Up to 10 years retail buying experience in an apparel environment is essential.
2. A deep appreciation for WW product and brand ethos.
3. Extensive retail knowledge, both local and global.
4. Baby product knowledge and buying experience is preferred.
5. Demonstrate product leadership and direction.
6. Highly numerate.
7. Demonstrates taste level and flair.
8. Understanding of range building process.
9. Commercial acumen and financial savvy.
10. Ability to manage a team effectively through managing goals, identifying development needs, and building buying competence.
11. Ability to take risks and adapt to changing circumstances that are in the best interest of Woolworths.