Category Buyer – Cape Town needed at Pick n Pay Stores Limited

• To compile and execute the category plans in line with the strategy, objectives and category group guidelines on format/margin and assortment strategies.  To optimize the performance of the assigned categories by having clear category plans in place that are aligned to the strategy, category group guidelines and being customer focused.
• Preferably a Finance degree or related
• 3-4 years retail experience
• Experience in Category Management
• Proven and consistent success on financial KPI’s
• SAP knowledge and Analysis is essential

Competencies

• Sound knowledge of buying fundamentals   
• Networking and Relationship Building
• Excellent Communications skills (Verbal and Written)
• Advanced computer literacy (Excel & Powerpoint)                                                
• Ability to handle extensive administrative activities related to the category
• Commercial and Financial Acumen including strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data
• Ability to work within a matrix structure, gaining buy in and support across a number of functions
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Good Presentation skills
• Good Negotiation and Influencing skills
• Ability to work under pressure and at pace
• Negotiation
• Understands negotiating position, key drivers, and desired outcomes; develops and presents factual, rational, and compelling arguments to build support and gain commitment from other parties; understands when to engage in counter-negotiations to reach win-win outcomes
• Manages disagreements and conflicts by using diplomacy and controlling emotions; anticipates negotiating roadblocks and objections
• Category Strategy
• Uses Category internal and external data to develop and recommend business strategies that target category-specific growth
• Evaluates merchandising plans and their business impact; makes recommendations for modifying plans based on findings 
• Identifies and recommends process improvements that target performance, quality, work efficiency / cost reduction
• Category Performance
• Uses internal and external data to understand category performance (sales, margin, availability, waste, stock, RTC, strike rates, own brand etc).
• Maintains a solid working knowledge of assigned category, industry, and market; uses knowledge of industry practices, business trends, distribution methods, and the competitive environment to develop buying plans
• Implements and executes tactical buying plans, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as Pick n Pay’s overall business strategy
• Supplier Relations
• Communicates regularly with suppliers to mutually share financial and other performance criteria; uses metrics to identify performance gaps and hold suppliers accountable for achieving financial and other mutually agreed upon goals; develops and implements contingency plans to close performance gaps
• Develops and maintains relationships with suppliers; demonstrates confidence and expertise when interacting with suppliers
• Private Brand Strategy and Development
• Implements and executes Private Brand category strategy, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as PnP’s overall business strategy
• Merchandise Knowledge
• Applies knowledge of Pick n Pay’s merchandise and current promotions, price changes, and sales to enhance daily work
• Develops merchandising solutions to achieve business goals and influence financial performance
• Identifies and applies knowledge of key industry trends and market forces to positively impact merchandising