Senior Buyer: Markham Formal Wear

The Buyer III is responsible for driving the selection and sourcing of trend-driven clothing and accessories that align with brand strategy and customer expectations. This role oversees market analysis, supplier negotiations, and product assortment planning to maximize sales and profitability. With a strategic mindset and strong leadership skills, the Buyer III also mentors junior team members and collaborates closely with key stakeholders to ensure a competitive and compelling product offering.

• Successfully source and procure a balanced range of merchandise in line with company strategy and customer profile.
• Work closely with the planner, through analysis of previous sales patterns, market trends, forward trend direction and brand initiatives.
• Formulate departmental strategies to maximize sales and then timeously source and secure stock to implement strategies.
• Negotiate effectively to deliver value and profitability.
• Build and maintain good relationships with employees, suppliers partners and key functions in the business.
• Knowledge transfer through coaching and mentoring junior team members.
• Conduct buying trips independently and aligned with forward trend direction and sound category and customer understanding.
• Holistic and Strategic thinker, as well as consider specifics and detail.
• Assess complex situations and implement workable solutions.
• Communicate effectively at all levels.
• Team player and be able to foster collaboration across buying, planning, marketing and sourcing functions.

Qualification and Experience

• Experience as a Buyer (5+ years essential for a senior position & 2+ years for a junior position)
• An entrepreneurial, merchant-style of thinking
• A proven track record in buying or a similar related field
• Contribute to growth / profit through innovative ideas
• A good working knowledge of the current computer software packages (knowledge of Excel, Word & E-mail would be preferable).
• Knowledge and experience of tailoring would be an advantage.

Skills

• Excellent planning, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Good analytical skills and high attention to detail
• A passion for & knowledge of trends.
• Uncompromising negotiation skills

Behaviours

• Builds Networks - establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships in order to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships
• Collaborates - effectively works with others to achieve shared goals
• Communicates Effectively - conveys information and communicates ideas in a clear, concise and impactful manner
• Customer Focus - understands, anticipates, and meets the needs and expectations of customers
• Ensures Accountability - takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets
• Manages Complexity - interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems
• Persuades - effectively influences others by gaining support and commitment in the delivery of organisational goals and objectives
• Plans and Aligns - develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives

Preference will be given but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.