eThekwini: Retail Buyer (Category Manager) posted by Toys R Us & Babies R Us South Africa

Retail Buyer Introduction Are you ready to be part of a fun and dynamic team in a fast-paced environment? We currently have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Retail Buyer (Category Manager) to support our high-performing team in driving the continued profitability of our stores. What are we looking for? Positive attitude, drive, passion and strong retail buying experience. You will be required to work with a wide variety of stakeholders from both within the business and with our supply base and must therefore possess excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and problem solving skills. You will need to develop an in-depth knowledge of our products and our customers, as well as the ability to stay on top of category trends, technologies, innovation, competition and supplier capability. Job purpose : To meet sales and margins budget through selecting appropriate product ranges in order to provide our shopper with the widest breadth of product at the best possible value. Responsible for evaluation, forecasting, selection and procurement of all merchandise. The Buyer is accountable for range management, department strategies, sales, profits, margins, stock turn for respective department as well as product quality control. Key Skills needed: Product Development Negotiating Analysing sales data Detail orientated and a creative problem solver Critical and analytical thinking skills Excellent communication skills Ability to persuade others Inventory management Sales planning Forecasting Expert level skills in retail merchandising tools and Microsoft tools/applications such as Excel and Outlook Excellent organisational skills and the ability to multi task in a busy environment Key Tasks & Responsibilities Strategy Development Analysing Competition Financial Analysis, Pricing / OTB Planning Building Assortment and Range Plan SKU / Product / System Management Marketing / Advertising & Promotions Supplier Management/Negotiation Leadership / Talent Enhancement & Training Cross Functional Partnership Desired Qualification and Experience National Diploma or Degree in business related field with Retail Buying as a subject At least 5 years experience in Retail Buying, preferably in the fields of gaming or electronics.