Ackermans: Central Buying Analyst

Reference Number ACK230614-2
Job Title Central Buying Analyst: Product (Maternity Cover (17 July 2023 – 12 Jan 2024))
Department Merchandise – Buying

Brand Ackermans
Reporting To Position Manager
Job Type Classification Contract
Location – Town / City Kuils River
Location – Province Western Cape
Location – Country South Africa

Job Advert
A Maternity Cover from 17 July 2023 to 12 Jan 2024 opportunity has become available at Ackermans in our Support Centre office in Kuils River. We are looking for a Central Buying Analyst: Products, the main purpose of the role is to centrally analyse all product related practices and attributes in order to deliver cross-functional insights to the business that support the buying initiatives and strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• A Grade 12 Certificate/Matric
• A relevant degree /qualification in Fashion, Textile Design /Clothing Production/ Product Development /Merchandising, Finance/Planning or relevant degree

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

 

• Retail buying or planning experience of at least 3 years in clothing
• Integral understanding of the Clothing Retail Cycle & Product Attributes

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of the retail merchandise cycle with regards to Buying/Planning and Product Attributing
• Knowledge of Merchandise principles & strategies
• A comprehensive knowledge/understanding of SA’s retail clothing market, customers and competitors

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Latest Microsoft applications including advanced Power-point and Excel competency
• Creative interpretation and articulation of data
• A sound ability to analyse and work with numerical data
• The ability to communicate effectively at all levels within the company
• Merchant skills & a sound commercial mentality
• Exceptional planning, organizing & time management skills
• The ability to be resilient, have tenacity and maintain high levels of drive and initiative under pressure

Key Responsibilities

• To be responsible for the central collation, effective use/implementation and governance of:
• All Product Attributes used across the SBU’s
• Comp shop Review Findings
• Match Review Strategic minutes
• Licensor Character information
• Marketing Briefs
• Product Tech Packaging Development
• Continuously analyse and report from a centralized view and provide strategic insights on:
• Product Performance
• Product Attributes audits
• RBS & Price Rhythms
• Famous Fours ,disruptors and OTIF performance
• Product support on strategic Marketing Campaigns

Character

• Represent the Buying role, its functions & processes in Company projects:
• Process Improvement Projects
• Strategic interventions (e.g. Quick Response, Product UDA’s, First Insights testing)
• Responsible for the creative articulation and packaging of product related management reports and presentations
• Strategic thinking, conceptualisation and steps taken display strong business acumen, across all milestones in the merchandise cycle
• Departmental Sales Performance
• Concepts are relevant to our customer’s needs and in line with our purchasing strategy
• Range build is executed to offer a balanced range across colours & key silhouettes to enable wardrobe building and co-ordinated looks
• Orders (fits and seals) are delivered on-time within the agreed critical path dates
• Marketing processes are followed and advertising specifications adhered to
• The appropriate suppliers are selected according to the standards required for each product category
• Negotiation skills enable the achievement of business objectives through effective partnerships with suppliers
• Supplier communication is effective and ensures effective performance in line with business expectations.