Job description

Main Purpose of the job:

To ensure that stock is correctly forecasted & planned for in order for the Business to achieve financial, sales, profit & stock margin goals

Work closely with the buying team to ensure that a balanced view of quantitative and qualitative issues are adhered to, thus ensuring that profitability is delivered in line with budgeted expectations.

Key performance areas

 Provide guidance on price tiering based on past performance and range reviews

• Assist with listing of new products & ensure all relevant replenishment data is accurate and that they are referenced where applicable.
• Create ideal range matrix to guide buyer in product selection
• Management of master data
• DC allocations / replenishments
• Prepare annual and post seasonal range review stats focusing on –range analysis, supplier analysis etc with both buyer and MM
• Prepare exception reporting e.g 80/20 analysis on range performance for team review
• Role in ordering process to ensure right stock at the right time to the right store
• Joint management of all imports and shipping process
• Develop budgets at the lowest levels in discussion with buyers and input agreed budgets into planning system
• Ensure sales, stock, and margin objectives are achieved with particular focus on stock management
• Status update and investigation into stock or margin concerns (Constant measurement)
• Ensure financial forecasting is constantly reviewed and input into the system
• Motivate and inspire team and stores
• Assist new staff with their orientation programme and training
• Supervise and manage MC’s
• Occasionally involved with Graduate programmes
• Development and training of Merchant Trainees
• Ensure effective and written oral communication with all across the chain (Directors, peers, subordinates, stores, customers and suppliers)
• Participate in weekly team meetings and feedback on stock and financial issues
• Submit financial stats to assist MM in preparing for written monthly / quarterly and annual board reports and GM reviews
• Monitor supplier sales performance with supplier business plan
• Work closely with CRM division analyzing stats to better understand customer behavior and trends therefore allowing for better forecasting ability.
• Regular team visits to all stores and DC’s
• Review financials, promotions and supplier performance with emphasis on markdown and distress stock and receiving and returns department
• Ensure on time delivery by daily follow up on promotional stock order status and feedback
• Feedback on post promotion evaluation to determine if financial targets are met
• Understand the extensive daily usage of SAP / BW
• Planning system
• Usage of Microsoft Office – Excel in particular
• Formulate & execute a Category strategy alongside buyer in line with the corporate strategic direction
• Formulate documented strategy & Business plan with clearly defined objectives with senior management and Buyer
• Develop sales & promotion plans for allocated category
• Own the forecasting processes in conjunction with suppliers and buyers
• Manage the ordering of stock and associated stock levels maintaining optimum days cover
• Drive use of automated replenishment with a focus on the forecast generated
• Be in a position to foresee potential problems & or opportunities
• Take a pro-active approach to forecasting, item projections and flow of stock through the business
• Manage strategic/ tactical buying process and complete necessary documentation
• Ensure that an exit plan is in place at initial negotiation of product purchase in conjunction with buyer. Identify the life cycle of the product with the buyer
• Have the ability to identify when a product is to be flagged as a problem
• Conduct forecast discussions that are accompanied by discussions on shared risk
• Ensure that the planned level of in-stocks are available in the stores
• Ensure the management of aged stock
• Measure & report on poor sales forecasts accurately
• Achieve budgeted profit and control negative margin
• Manage & find ways to improve stock turns
• Perform the annual strategic review & seasonal reviews (Include timelines & Action Plans)
• Create annual critical path (timelines) to support strategy & translate into Budget
• Attend strategic supplier meetings
• Supply Chain Setup – Maintain synchronized review cycles, review & maintain supplier lead times, set up supplier minimum order constraints, update safety stock , returns, DSD/NonDSD
• Create & implement Markdown Strategy with Buyer
• Conduct monthly discussion of standardized month end pack with noted action points
• Conduct store visits
• Monitor supplier sales performance with supplier scorecard.
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders – especially suppliers

Requirements

Minimum Academic Requirements, Professional Qualifications, and Experience:

Qualifications:

• Financial Degree or Diploma
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office – excel in particular

Experience:

• 2 to 3 years Retail experience

Posted on 13 Jul 19:30