Category Buyer: Baby Care - Pick n Pay

Job Advert Summary

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.

Duties & Responsibilities

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; make 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

Minimum Requirements

• Preferably relevant University Degree
• 3-4 years of retail experience
• Experience in Category Management
• Proven and consistent success on financial KPIs
• SAP knowledge and Analysis are essential

Competencies

• Sound knowledge of buying fundamentals
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Networking and Relationship Building
• Good Presentation skills
• Excellent Communications skills (Verbal and Written)
• Good Negotiation and Influencing skills
• Advanced computer literacy (Excel & Powerpoint)
• Ability to work under pressure and at a pace
• Ability to handle extensive administrative activities related to the category
• Commercial and Financial Acumen including strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data
• Ability to work within a matrix structure, gaining buy-in and support across a number of functions
• Additional Information
• Competency-based interview to assess the above requirements
• Applicable assessments may also be conducted