Head of Buying : Lingerie, Sleepwear & Hosiery

Head of Buying : Lingerie, Sleepwear & Hosiery

Listing reference : woolw_

Listing status : Online

Apply by : 30 June 2025

Position summary

Industry : Wholesale & Retail Trade

Job category : Other : FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain

Location : Cape Town

Contract : Permanent

EE position : No

Introduction

To deliver profitable and sustainable growth for the department / s this is under-pinned by the group strategy. To lead and inspire a team to deliver balanced product ranges through a customer led process that meets and exceeds customer expectations within the agreed KPIs.

• Integrate customer understanding through effective market segmentation.
• Review post season analysis by department / class sub-class as input in the development of the group strategy.
• Provide analysis, incorporate design direction and trend to develop the group strategy and 1-year operating plan in line with business strategy.
• Review departmental operational plans to ensure that they deliver into the group strategy
• Review range plan taking into account customer needs, trend direction, competitive analysis, growth / exit of product categories, determining product objectives that deliver to department operational plan.
• Review weekly and monthly performance with departments and consolidate identified solutions and develop action plan to ensure departmental KPI's are met and exceeded.
• Identify opportunities within the season to maximise profit and grow market share.
• Ensure management of Open to Buy to maximise sales and minimise markdown.
• Ensure buying processes are managed in line with merchandise cycle in order to deliver on time launch and against critical path.
• Lead the process in briefing the design team in line with group strategy in order to deliver a balanced range within agreed price architecture.
• Conduct product reviews, including financials, assortment plan, final product and reconcile assortment plan and financials with strategy.
• Lead and identify packaging and ticketing needs in line marketing / brand and promotional strategy.
• Ensure and conduct regular store and competitor visits to understand product performance, assortment balance and customer experience of range and adjust where appropriate.
• Manage supplier strategy to deliver Group KPI's in line with sourcing strategy.
• Improve margin through effective sourcing and supplier negotiations.
• Set and manage departmental financial and expense budgets in line with group's budget.
• Develop, motivate, inspire and lead the team to achieve and deliver the group strategy and plans that will ensure high performance through the effective use of the IPM process.
• Drive succession planning, EE transformation and develop talent within the teams.
• Up to 10 years retail buying experience in an apparel environment is essential
• A deep appreciation for WW product and brand ethos
• Extensive retail knowledge, both local and global
• Sleepwear, Intimate wear and Lingerie product knowledge and buying experience is preferred.
• Demonstrate product leadership and direction
• Highly numerate
• Demonstrates taste level and flair
• Understanding of range building process
• Commercial acumen and financial savvy
• Ability to manage a team effectively through managing goals, identifying development needs and building buying competence
• Ability to take risks and adapt to changing circumstances that are in the best interest of Woolworths

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