Key Responsibilities: 

Strategy Development and Execution 

Develop and execute seasonal product strategies in line with the company strategy  Work closely with the Planning Manager to develop cohesive action plans to execute the brand strategy  Evaluate strategic progress and pivot where necessary to achieve strategic objectives identify Key Macro and micro economic trends that will impact on the implementation of the buying strategy and plan accordingly. 

Product Development 

Own and manage the product development cycle from range conceptualisation to design, pre-production sample approvals and bulk production approvals. Manage the range architecture and price tiering of seasonal ranges ensuring a credible and balanced assortment is on offer across store grids and online channels.  Ensure relevant global trends are well represented in the range and aligned to customer preferences Ensure Authentic product execution in line with the brand ethos Deliver a clear value proposition in support of the brand positioning.  Sign off product strategy at various review stages in the product development process

KPI and Trade Management 

Display a clear understanding of the business against weekly, monthly and seasonal sales performance to plan. Drive key action plans based on current performance to maximise sales, improve sales margin and minimize markdown. Drive an In-Season trade mentality in your buying team that displays agility and quick decision making to shift the outcome of sales. Manage key performance indicators including Sales, Sales Margin, Clearance and Stock Management

Cross Functional Collaboration and Communication 

Maintain a collaborative relationship with the planning, e- commerce, marketing and store operations teams to ensure cohesive execution of product strategies Provide guidance and support to the marketing team on product launches, promotions and product initiatives  Serve as a key representative in strategic forums with heads of merchandise and other senior managers across the TFG business.  Have ongoing engagements with heads of buying within various TFG brands to align with RFO’s overarching stock procurement 

Supplier Management 

Forge strategic partnerships with key suppliers by aligning supply base to the business strategy  Evaluate and manage supplier performance on a regular basis and identify potential risks within the supplier loading. Negotiate with suppliers to achieve margin targets and improve lead time efficiency  Maintain strong relationships with existing vendors and explore opportunities for new partnerships Ensure Suppliers are compliant with the Group’s Social and Ethical requirements and contribute towards the brand’s sustainability strategy 

Team Leadership and Talent Management 

Ensure that assigned team is effectively resourced, directed, motivated and developed to enable team members to reach their full potential. Drive and develop the performance of the team with a view to optimise delivery and achievement of objectives whilst effectively managing performance issues or concerns Ensure learning and development opportunities are available to the team.  Cultivate a culture of high performance, accountability and continuous improvement within the team to optimise sales and deliver KPI’s. Mentor, Coach and develop the team to support their career development  Manage various functions within the buying department including buying, design and quality assurance and ensuring alignment across these functions.

Critical Path and Lead Time Management

Ensure buying critical path aligns to the merchandise cycle to deliver the on time launch of product. Evaluate buying process efficiency and evolve process accordingly to support faster and more accurate decision making  Constantly identify opportunities to reduce lead times

Project Management 

Participate and align business projects to group strategic projects Implement and evolve key retail projects such as 3D, Sustainability and Quick Response 

Market Analysis 

Conduct regular store and market visits to understand the competitor landscape and identify new opportunities for growth

Qualifications and Experience:

A relevant tertiary qualification Minimum 3 years working experience at a leadership level, incl. people / team management Minimum 8 years relevant buying / merchandise experience is essential

Skills:

Proven track record in building and maintaining strategic supplier relationships Proven track record and ability to drive a merchandise strategy by demonstrating innovative and creative thinking Ability to persuade and influence both internal and external stakeholders Ability to work well under pressure and deliver to aggressive deadlines, incl. problem solving Exceptional analytical ability to effectively evaluate and drive functional KPIs, incl. sales growth, PIS, CSOH, input- and maintained margins, stock turn, clearance Strong written and verbal communication at all levels of organisation Proven leadership and People management ability A strategic thinker with strong business acumen 

Behaviours:

Builds Networks - establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships in order to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships Collaborates - effectively works with others to achieve shared goals Communicates Effectively - conveys information and communicates ideas in a clear, concise and impactful manner Customer Focus - understands, anticipates, and meets the needs and expectations of customers Ensures Accountability - takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets Manages Complexity - interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems Persuades - effectively influences others by gaining support and commitment in the delivery of organisational goals and objectives Plans and Aligns - develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives

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