Job Description

If you have a Retail Buying background in Footwear or Apparel and you prefer working in the Northern Suburbs, find out more below.

Responsibilities

• Attending pre line/strategy sessions with the brands to assess season requirements - prepared feedback on possible strategy options/category suggestions/competitive analysis to make informed decisions.
• Attending and viewing of quarterly or half yearly brand range presentations.
• Selection of appropriate, commercial product - across all genders and categories (Footwear, Apparel and Accessories).
• Range building and reviewing.
• Research and propose SMU or exclusive options.
• Negotiation with suppliers to secure best commercial outcome.
• Consider possible promotional styles per brand, per buy.
• Manage set up of replenishment styles/brands.
• Work closely with the Visual Merchandising and Marketing Managers to communicate new product launches or exclusive opportunities.
• Research and propose sustainable campaign/promotional buy options.
• Request/receive/review/process samples as required.
• Requesting and selecting possible ex stock purchases from the brands.
• Be involved in the development of private label product when required.
• Build relationships with suppliers and the Exclusive Brands Team.
• Working in conjunction with the Planning Team to be cognisant of available OTB and where opportunities lie for order book adjustments or promotions.
• Buy according to the required categories and price points.
• Achievement of margin objectives.
• Be up to date with the factors/input margins offered by each brand.
• Be fully aware the footwear price points within the segment of the market - entry and exit.
• Plan the segmentation of product for specific stores - store grading and store grids.
• Modify purchase orders according to seasonality, availability, and demand.
• Recommend clearance sales and varying delivery schedules to help control stock levels.
• Weekly analysis of best sellers - by units/value/clearance.
• Identify opportunities to replenish on best sellers to maximise sales.
• Forecast future sell off's to project closing stocks/end of season clearances - working with the Planning Team.
• Requesting line lists ahead of supplier meetings and formatting information as per company standards.
• Review previous seasons buy.
• Be aware of bestselling current styles - volume potentials/key price points/colours/silhouettes.
• Review current brand performance.
• Prepare relevant OTB info with targets (units / SKU counts per gender).
• Competitive shopping on an ongoing basis - awareness of activity in store/online/social media/FOCs.
• Be aware of other supplier/retailer SMU styles.
• Relevant market knowledge to make insightful buying decisions.
• Ability to travel as and when required (local and international).
• Ensure the buy sheets are completed, signed off and submitted to the brands ahead of deadline.
• Ensure the products are accurately coded in Dolfin - assist in product Hierarchy information.
• Ensure buys are uploaded to commitment orders with the Merchandise Team as soon as placed with the brands.
• Review supplier order confirmations to ensure captured correctly.
• Note any cancellations or delivery changes with the Planning Team (send update to Merch team).
• Track deliveries to ensure still in line with OTB requirements.

Requirements

Qualifications: Related Business/Design Degree.
Experience: Definite Retail Brand Buying experience in either Footwear or Apparel with a leading Fashion Retailer or Brand.
Additional: xe2x80xa2 Strong strategic and analytical skills. Position located in Cape Town. Forward your CV to Gabi Traut at tpersonnel@iafrica.com or call her on 083 274 5193. Visit our website www.trautpersonnel.co.za for all our positions.

Traut Personnel