SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
About the role:
The Demand & Purchasing function is the basis for Purchasing and significantly influences the inventory management/stock turn and re-order availability. Therefore, it is also the foundation for reaching sales and inventory targets. The position requires that the candidate be a resilient, passionate, apparel focused and detail orientated. The position will add value to the various Brands within the business Supply Chain through assisting in working with various aspects in the purchasing process, for the respective Brands.
You will have the ability to significantly contribute towards the achievement of the Brands and business objectives as well as have the necessary high energy levels required for this fast-paced, exciting, and dynamic environment. To this end, the position requires that purchase orders are processed and validated accurately on the Business Internal Systems, in line with Brand Buy Plans and business process lead-times. The Demand and Purchasing Administrator will be required to work closely with the Customer Services, Shipping, Sales, Marketing, Retail and Supply Chain teams to plan and communicate inventory (all product) related movements and status.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- To influence and execute the seasonal and purchasing strategy for relevant departments and Brands.
- To reduce the cost associated with late delivery and OTIF Capability with the purchasing of all product required for the business.
- Ensure volume alignment between Integrated Business Planning process and Operational Planning on assigned levels.
- Review, Implementation and Critical Path Execution of the Demand Planning processes to support strategic initiatives for all Sales Channels of the business.
- Support and consult the Merchandising; Brand and Sales teams throughout the range creation and identify risks and opportunities based on analysis of the current business development and Inventory Status levels.
- Ensuring timeous execution of Purchasing administration to meet target dates in the critical path for success.
- To liaise and collaborate with Merchandise Planning; Brand/Marketing to ensure business needs are achieved.
- Responsible for the accurate fulfilment/purchasing of the selected Range Plan and to process effectively to ensure Inbound Product On-Time-In-Full (OTIF).
- Accurately and efficiently complete product purchasing, adhering to calendar timelines/lead – times; by ensuring that purchase orders are initiated in the system with the relevant factories according to agreed Service Level Agreements (SLA).
- Track and manage all orders (Principal Purchase Orders – PPO’s) and to provide Shipping; Planning; DC Operations; Customer Services; Key & Field Accounts; with regular updates on delivery status and potential delivery risks.
- Ensure that all delays to purchase orders are pro-actively communicated, specifically informing Customer Services of the impact to sales orders; for the Business to react accordingly, whilst still maximising KPI achievement.
- Work with Shipping and Customer Services teams to ensure inbound shipments are planned in a way that maximises orderbook fulfilment and market conversion (OTIF at 100% - Inbound).
- To fully support and Optimize existing planning process; Standard Operating Procedures and strive for efficiency in the Purchasing process.
- Create analyses and statistics for Total Inventory and OTIF Reporting.
- Balance the product availability for the re-order period (or the Buy Period as appropriate).
- Management and adherence of local and global timelines and deadlines in delivery of stock in collaboration with the Shipping team.
- Liaise with cross-function departments on time (Brand, Merchandise Planning, Sales).
- Accurate upload of Master Data to the Business Internal Systems (Product or Seasonal Master Line Lists) to facilitate efficient Product and Style Management.
- Support the Demand Planning & Supply Chain Purchasing alignment with regard to the Inventory review process as well the demand/supply review to ensure On-Time-In-Full (OTIF) for the business.
- Production timeline management with international and local suppliers to manage on time and in full delivery from suppliers to customers.
- Weekly/Monthly/Quarterly reporting in accordance to the agreed Service Level Key Performance Indicators and business metrics across all Brands as applicable.
Education & Experience Requirements:
- Essential: Grade 12 certificate (Matric)
- Desirable: A relevant 3-year Tertiary Qualification would be a distinct advantage (Purchasing, Supply Chain, Logistics).
- Essential: A minimum of 2 – 3 years’ experience working in a Branded Fashion/Apparel environment performing a similar role.
Core Competencies:
- Analysing and Reporting
- Planning, prioritizing and organizing
- Delivering results and meeting expectations
- Following instructions and procedures
- Adapting and responding to change
- Coping with pressures and setback
Skills and Abilities:
- High energy levels, flexibility, and a sense of urgency.
- Ability to self-manage
- Effective Team player & passionate about product.
- Accurate and detail orientated
- Taking ownership & time management
- Accountable, honest, and forward thinking
- Proven negotiation skills
- Ability to make sound decisions together with effective problem-solving skills
- Able to build and maintain influential relationships at various levels and across business functions.
- Effective communication and presentation skills; including the ability to manage conflict.
- The agility and resilience to maintain high levels of drive and initiative under pressure.
