Footwear Buyer (JNB)

A highly administrative role within the fashion buying team, providing essential support to the Merchandise Department and Merchandise Director

• Analyzing consumer buying patterns and predicting future trends
• Be able to develop new product/s on own initiative in line with changing consumer trends
• Understanding of profit margins and sell through margins
• Regularly reviewing performance indicators, such as sales and discount levels
• Managing plans with the Planner for adequate stock levels
• Reacting to changes in demand and logistics, between the business, suppliers and value chain
• Meeting suppliers and negotiating terms of samples and/or new ranges
• Maintaining relationships with existing suppliers and sourcing new suppliers for future products
• Understanding the basic rules of vendor management, allocation and price negotiation
• Liaising with other departments within the organization to ensure projects are completed
• Participating in promotional activities
• Writing reports and forecasting sales levels
• Presenting new ranges to Merchandise Director
• Liaising with shop personnel to ensure supply meets demand
• Getting feedback from customers
• Training and mentoring junior staff.

Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Tasks:

• None in the current structure, but need to “manage” across companies on Intercompany transactions
• Ensure staff and customer satisfaction

Skills required:

• Strong analytical skills
• Negotiation skills and the ability to network and influence people
• Teamworking and interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Numeracy skills and proficiency using IT and Microsoft Office
• Good organization skills and the ability to multitask
• The ability to cope with the pressure of having to make important decisions and meet tight deadlines
• The capability to work in a fast-paced environment and achieve targets
• Drive and determination
• Entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to take risks
• Commercial awareness
• Leadership attributes
• Creative flair
• Confident presentation style
• A passion for retail.
• Ability to travel as per the needs of the business – Local and International