SENIOR WINE BUYER: WCELLAR

Woolworths; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in South Africa is seeking a Category Manager to oversee sourcing and buying products. You will lead the development of the Category Operational Plan and negotiate pricing and promotions with suppliers. The ideal candidate must have a degree in a relevant field and several years of team management experience, particularly in the liquor category. This role demands strong negotiation skills and the ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience managing a team/leading people is required.
• Wine knowledge (WSET Level 2 or equivalent) is advantageous.
• Experience in the liquor category & adjacent categories is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the development and execution of the Category Operational Plan.
• Negotiate price, promotions and new lines.
• Manage financial accountabilities; margins and trading agreements.

Skills

Strong negotiation skills

Supplier management

Financial management

Team management

Advanced MS suite proficiency

Education

3-year degree / post grad qualification in relevant commercial degree

Tools

Excel

Qliksense or QlikView

Job description

Job category: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain

Location: Western Cape

Contract: Permanent

EE position: No

Introduction

Source and buy product in support of the Category and WCellar Strategies, through effective supplier and profit management. Be driven by financial excellence.

• Lead and coordinate the development and execution of the Category Operational Plan
• Identify the key commercial strategies and develop quantifiable goals in order to deliver KPI's for the department
• Negotiate price, promotions and new lines, taking into account price tiering / product positioning and financial targets
• Integrate with Sales Management, Trade Planning and Marketing to draw up and implement a Promotional Calendar. Plan and implement promotional strategies. Integrate with planning to ensure supplier delivery.
• Establish category price position while applying an understanding of customer price perception, impacts on KVIs and of competitor pricing
• Establish a commercially viable range and manage the implementation thereof, including the facilitation of assortment and space
• Develop good working relationships with suppliers and other key stakeholders
• Review internal Woolworths performance data (sales, profit, market share, market size etc.) for the department and make comparisons against competition ito range, price, promotions and product development
• Ensure internal and external colleagues understand and work to deliver the department category plan
• Review department performance versus Department Scorecard/KPI's on a regular basis
• Manage financial accountabilities; margins (including strategic buy-in opportunities in consultation with Merchandise Planning), incentives, trading agreements, departmental charges, sample account, buyer losses, etc.
• Wine knowledge (WSET Level 2 or equivalent) is advantageous
• Minimum of a 3-year degree / post grad qualification in relevant commercial degree.
• 3-5 years' experience managing a team/leading people is required
• Experience in the liquor category & adjacent categories is advantageous.
• Ability to articulate complex concepts in clear, simple & logical terms & build compelling presentations & professional communications
• Ability to influence internal / external partners at all levels, with various backgrounds and expertise
• Resilience and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Highly entrepreneurial and passionate about the Liquor category
• Advanced MS suite proficiency (Excel & PPT) and data visualization tools (e.g., Qliksense or QlikView, etc)
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally
• Proven sourcing and supplier management experience. Wine Supplier base experience will be preferable.
• Proven ability to provide tactical input and deliver a category operating plan.
• Strong integrator and the ability to work in a Matrix structure.
• Strong negotiation and financial management skills.
• Proven ability to deliver commercial category KPIs (i.e. market share, sales growth, margin, ROS, availability).
• Understanding of Supply Chain processes and principles.