Job Description

Overview An exciting opportunity has become available for a Sports Branded Footwear Buyer. The successful candidate must be proactive, assertive and a confident go-getter, who can assist the team in adding strategic value to the brand by being responsible for the procurement and building of the Sports branded footwear range, in accordance with company strategy. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, passionate about performance and will have the high energy level required for this fast-paced, exciting and dynamic retail environment. Qualifications:

• Matric / Grade 12 Certificate
• A relevant tertiary education

Skills and Knowledge required:

• Knowledge of the retail merchandise cycle within a branded footwear business with regards to buying, planning, logistics and stores.
• Have a passion for branded footwear and be able to relate experience into the product selection.
• Advanced Microsoft Office packages (Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint).
• Proficiency in G-Suite, Google Workspace advantageous.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the South African and international branded footwear retail markets, customers and competitors who operate in both license and branded footwear.
• Knowledge of merchandise buying, planning systems and specific company buying strategies.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels within and externally to the company.
• Excellent interpersonal, people and team management and leadership skills.
• Has a high energy level and is performance-driven and deadline-orientated.
• Excellent planning, organising and time management skills.
• Ability to remain flexible, function under pressure and maintain a positive attitude and work performance in a variety of circumstances.
• Ability to multi-task and to deal with complexities, use initiative to solve problems.
• Must be able to travel internationally for business.
• A practical grasp of the retail industry, and especially the operations and human resource issues in a store environment.
• Working knowledge of all relevant labour legislation.
• Effective interpersonal skills and communication skills in English.

Key Responsibilities:

• To deliver the branded footwear merchandise plans, assortment plans to the relevant stakeholders.
• Formulate departmental strategies to maximise sales, in line with the companyxe2x80x99s topline strategy.
• Build and maintain good relationships with key partners and suppliers/brands.
• Developing, influencing and driving the companyxe2x80x99s seasonal product and purchasing strategy in line with the company objectives. A focus area will be the management and improvement of stock productivity.
• Select appropriate product to maximise departmental sales of online and brick and mortar.
• Regular competitive shopping (Price & Product positioning information) will be used as a means through which to determine price positions.
• Achieve agreed companyxe2x80x99s margin targets and GP Rands as signed off at the seasonal business plan meetings.
• Research and identify new suppliers/brands that adds value and is in line with the business/departmental strategy.
• Effectively collaborating with the relevant stakeholders and departments (internally and externally).
• React on weekly performance to strengthen overall outcome for department.
• Provide support and coaching to trainees or buyerxe2x80x99s assistants, where appropriate.

Applicants will need to demonstrate their consistent record of determination and drive, to demonstrate their interpersonal and communication skills at all levels in the company, and a value system that embraces the companyxe2x80x99s values, vision and strategy. This position reports to the Buying Executive. Applicants will need to be prepared to undergo evaluations / assessments and interviews if and as required. Shortlisted applicants will be required to present a business case study.