Job Advert Summary
We are looking for a resilient, efficient and energetic Sourcing Specialist, who will be able to add strategic value to our merchandise departments by continuously sourcing new merchandise suppliers to expand the Company’s supply base and maximise profits in accordance with the Company’s Supplier Strategy.
Qualifications
• A Grade 12 Certificate/Matric is an essential requirement
• A relevant degree/qualification in Fashion, Textile Design /Clothing Production/ Product Development /Merchandising, or a related field would be an advantage
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Knowledge required:
• A working knowledge of costing, processes & calculations
• Knowledge of shipping & related logistical factors and the impact thereof on lead times
• A working knowledge of manufacturing capabilities, including but not limited to:o Import tariffs & relevant legislation o Wages & costs of manufacturing o Duty structures
• A comprehensive knowledge of SA’s retail clothing market, customers & competitors
• An integral understanding of the clothing retail cycle, critical path & buying processes, retail business systems and related processes
• A sound knowledge & understanding of relevant fabrics (clothing/materials/substrates)
• Relevant knowledge with regards to styling and fits/silhouettes/construction/print techniques/wash processes
• An understanding of product components (in order to effectively negotiate price)
Skills required:
• A sound ability to analyse and work with numerical data
• Merchant skills and a sound trader mentality
• Presentation skills
• Proficiency in the latest Microsoft applications
• Sound organising and time management skills
• Identify, distinguish, understand and assess colours, CAD approvals and strike offs engineer garments / products to achieve the desired value proposition
• Travel (approximately 4-6 overseas trips a year)
• Understand and interpret trends relevant to the product category
• Create a shared vision and to positively influence others
• Build ranges
• Communicate effectively at all levels both within, as well as outside the company
• Build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers
• Effectively negotiate and secure win-win agreements with others
Experience required:
• 3-5 years Clothing Retail Buying and/or Merchandising experience
• Previous buying/sourcing experience in a clothing and footwear environment would be advantegeous
Key Responsibilities
o To execute the Sourcing and Supplier Strategy and grow/expand the current supplier base for all departmentso To support the departmental seasonal strategy by researching, understanding, influencing and executing the relevant seasonal trends according to the purchasing strategy o To maximize profits by positively influencing the departmental margins, by continously introducing competitive new suppliers and facilitating seasonal consolidation product buyso To source the correct supplier for the appropriate product category and manage/on-board them according to the Company policies and procedures with reference to the approved business plano To ensure the timeous execution of procurement administration, and to source & procure the correct products in accordance with the agreed quality specifications and standardso Sourcing projects as assigned by the Company