Are you ready to spearhead world-class sourcing strategies and elevate supplier performance for unmatched quality? We are seeking a dynamic Executive to join our team to lead the development and execution of the company’s Supplier/Sourcing and Product Technology strategy to deliver on the Ackermans strategic intent.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Buying, you will contribute towards the development and implementation of an effective and efficient product sourcing and technology strategy for the business across various portfolios, lead a professional team, engage with cross-functional teams and key business stakeholders, and deliver a superb value proposition for our customers across more than one thousand Stores.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategy Development: Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive supplier/sourcing, product technology and sustainability/ESD strategy, aligned with the company's objectives
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with internal teams, including Buying, Marketing, Retail Operations, and Supply Chain, to ensure alignment and consistency in execution
Supplier Optimisation and Oversite: Nurture supplier relationships with the aim of improving supplier processes, practices, and performance. Onboard new suppliers aligned to strategic objectives
Performance Monitoring: Establish relevant KPIs to measure and monitor supplier performance and optimising strategies based on data-driven insights
Systems and governance: Collaborate with systems to ensure the delivery of future fit technology strategy aligned to the overall product strategy including a robust plan on growing and developing 3D implementation. Provide governance, risk and regulatory requirement oversight and support
Leadership: Effectively lead the product sourcing and technology team fostering a high-performance culture
Job Related Knowledge And Skills Required
Knowledge
Knowledge of the retail merchandise cycle, critical path with regards to Sourcing/Buying, Planning, Logistics and Stores
Knowledge of specific company buying strategies
A comprehensive knowledge/understanding of SA’s retail clothing market, customers, and competitors
A sound knowledge & understanding of relevant fabrics (clothing/materials/substrates) and trims
A sound knowledge of product components (styling, silhouettes, etc.)
A sound knowledge and understanding of product construction and technical specifications
A sound knowledge of costing, processes & calculations
A deep understanding of shipping & related logistical factors and the impact thereof on lead times
Proficient in manufacturing capabilities, including but not limited to:
Import tariffs & relevant legislation
Wages & costs of manufacturing
Duty structures
Exposure to packaging processes.
A working knowledge of the delivery of Product Technology best practices
Understanding of retail business systems and related processes – IT
Awareness of relevant legal and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and mitigate risks
Deep understanding of capacity booking, product consolidation and basket costings
Skills:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organisation
Strategic thinking and analytical abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities and market conditions
Strong leadership skills to inspire and guide the planning team, fostering cross functional collaboration and driving results
A creative mindset to develop innovative and impactful strategies
Experience in managing budgets effectively, allocating resources to maximise ROI
Display excellent judgment, planning, organising, decision making and time management skills in a fast-paced working environment
Continuously seeking opportunities for innovation and differentiation, to maintain a competitive edge.
Proficient in relevant IT systems and processes
QUALIFICATIONS:
A Grade 12 Certificate/Matric
A relevant degree/qualification in Fashion/Textile Design/Clothing Production/Product Development/Merchandising, or a related field
EXPERIENCE:
Global sourcing experience of which at least 5 years is at a senior level within a clothing/footwear/homeware retail environment
Minimum 5 years senior leadership experience in managing product technology and packaging processes and procedures across various product categories
Sound exeperience in engineering products to the right price points
Previous senior managerial experience to understand the inner workings of sourcing to meet the product strategy
Integral understanding of the Clothing Retail Cycle and Buying process
Experience in developing strategy and implementing strategic interventions in a rapidly changing global and local context