An opportunity has become available in our Leisure Clothing Department for a resilient, innovative and resourceful Senior Buyer.  The role requires someone who is able to travel and work with our local and international factories in order to build and procure ranges for the Women’s Leisure Rare Earth and ladies leisure brands apparel and accessories department. 

Requirements   

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Managing critical path for internal review and milestones as well as for manufacturing (local and international).
• Managing OTB by constantly trade successful styles and turn off and negotiate non-performing styles.
• Range execution in alignment with strategy and range science
• Proficient in value engineering across categories
• Comfortable with presenting to peers and leaders
• Building and maintaining relationships with suppliers
• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts, prices, deliveries
• Effectively collaborating with the relevant stakeholders and departments, driving cross-silo collaboration
• Overseeing the product quality, fit and seal process
• Effectively managing a Buyers Assistant
• Attend tradeshows and conferences to stay abreast of industry trends
• General buying administrative functions

Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications Required:

• Grade 12 certificate and a relevant tertiary qualification is required
• Drivers licence
• A minimum of 5 years retail merchandise buying experience is essential
• 2 years buying experience in product development
• In-depth knowledge of the retail product life cycle, merchandise buying principles and critical path
• A working knowledge of the latest Microsoft packages is required
• Candidates with RMS and PLM experience will be given preference

Job Related Competencies:

• A passion for technical product and the outdoor lifestyle
• The ability to adapt trends to our different target markets
• Proven negotiation skills
• Ability to understand and interpret trends
• Ability to make sound decisions together with effective problem-solving skills
• Strong trader mentality
• Proven strategic thinking skills
• Able to build and maintain influential relationships at various levels and across business functions
• Effective communication and presentation skills
• Solid organizing, planning, & time management skills
• The agility and resilience to maintain high levels of drive and initiative under pressure

Please note:  The Cape Union Mart Group is committed to transformation.  Appointments and promotions will be made based on candidates who best meet the requirements for the position. Preference will be given to candidates who will enhance the diversity of the team, aligned to our Employment Equity plan.