JD is a sports fashion, multichannel retailer of branded sports and casual wear, combining globally recognised brands such as Nike, adidas, Puma and The North Face, with strong private labels such as Pink Soda and Supply & Demand, to provide an elevated consumer experience.

JD Sports will be the exclusive retail partner to TFG and will further bolster our existing Sports positioning, with our Sportscene, Totalsports and Sneaker Factory stores already being the destinations of choice for athletic and leisure sports apparel.

Key Responsibilities:

Successfully procure and range build a balance assortment that is aligned to the company strategy with special attention to trend and all trading opportunities.  Assess complex situations and implement workable solutions.  Have a high degree of organisation and prioritization skills. Work closely with the planner, through analysis of previous sales patterns, market trends and brand initiatives.  Formulate departmental strategies to maximize sales and then timeously source and secure stock to implement strategies.  Negotiate effectively to deliver Financial business KPI’S  Build and maintain good relationships with employees, suppliers, and key functions in the business.  Contribute to growth /profit through innovative ideas  Availability to go on buying trips (local and international)  Understanding and delivering a clear product strategy aligned with specific store brand strategy   Think in terms of the "big picture" as well as consider specifics and detail.  Drive product efficiencies and key measures     Assess complex situations and implement workable solutions.  Communicate effectively at all levels.  Team player and be able to foster collaboration across buying and planning functions. 

Qualifications and Experience:

Diploma, Graduate Degree, or Post Graduate Degree  Have experience as a Buyer (5+ years essential)  Integral understanding of the clothing retail Cycle, Trend and Buying Process  A good working knowledge of the current computer software packages (knowledge of Excel, Word & E-mail would be preferable). 

Skills: 

Excellent planning, organisational and interpersonal skills.  Uncompromising negotiation skills  Good analytical skills  Excellent Time management skills  Good judgement and problem-solving skills 

Behaviours: 

Applies market and business insights in order to drive organisational objectives  Forms, develops, and leads a group of individuals toward the achievement of a common team objective Creates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of creativity which drives success Thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the organisation  Develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives  Assesses and improves the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of various work processes Quickly adapts and acquires new knowledge, skills, and competencies in a rapidly changing environment Interprets and simplifies complex information when resolving organisational problems

Preference will be given, but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.