Job Description

The Head of Merchandise/Procurement is responsible for overseeing and managing the procurement function within the Company. This includes strategic planning, supplier relationship management, negotiating contracts, and ensuring timely delivery of quality products at the best possible cost. Additionally, the Head of Merchandise/Procurement is responsible for leading and developing a team of Buyers, setting departmental goals, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to optimize the procurement function's efficiency and effectiveness.RESPONSIBILITIES:Buying Management and Product Selection:

• Develop and implement strategic plans for sourcing products, considering market trends, customer preferences, and budgetary constraints.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to select products that align with customer preferences, market trends, and company objectives.
• Collaborate with the Planner to deliver on products that are in line with category strategies, and which are compliant and cost-effective.
• Monitor product performance and customer feedback to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
• Facilitate partnering across categories to ensure the delivery of cohesive ranges.
• Ensure product quality and compliance with industry standards through rigorous evaluation and quality control measures.
• Collaborate with Marketing to ensure the best product offering to the right customers, and that the product is presented in the most appealing and authentic way.
• Effectively manage product data to enable data driven decision-making.

Risk Management

• Assess and mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions, vendor reliability, and market fluctuations.
• Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies to mitigate potential disruptions and minimize impact on operations.
• Monitor geopolitical and economic factors that may impact supply chain stability and develop strategies to mitigate associated risks.

Supplier Management

• Build a focused and effective supplier base.
• Successfully negotiate favourable terms, pricing, and conditions with
• Maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliable and timely delivery of goods.
• Regularly evaluate supplier performance against SLAs and address any issues or concerns proactively.

Cost Optimization

• Identify cost-saving opportunities through efficient sourcing, bulk purchasing, and strategic negotiations.

Reporting

• Monthly reporting on key merchandise metrics (sales, GP, product performance, supplier performance, markdowns, promotions & stock management).

Policies, Procedures and Processes

• Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the procurement cycle and implement solutions for improvement.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and manage a team of employees, including performance management, leave management, disciplinary and grievance issues, staff training assessments, recruitment, and the developments of KPIs, KPAs and metrics or success.
• Mentor and develop team members to enhance their skills, knowledge, and capabilities in procurement and supply chain management.
• Encourage innovation and creativity within the team to drive process improvements and achieve departmental goals.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant tertiary qualification (Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field).
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior-level role.
• Experience working in the furniture and appliance retail environment is preferred.
• Experience collaborating with departments such as Operations, Marketing, and Finance.
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools, as well as Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Knowledge of supply chain management principles, inventory control, and procurement best practices.
• Knowledge of industry trends, market dynamics, and regulatory requirements in the furniture and appliance retail sector.
• Familiarity with industry-specific procurement challenges and opportunities.
• Proven track record of negotiation and stakeholder management.
• Proven digital and data literacy.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Proven understanding of financial principles and budget management including tracking expenses, forecasting costs, and maximising cost-saving opportunities.
• Effective leadership and team management skills, with a track record of developing and motivating high-performing teams.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Fluent in both English and Afrikaans.
• Driver's license.
• Ability to work flexible hours in line with business requirements.
• Willingness to travel locally to stores (Western Cape based territory)

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