Description

• Assumes responsibility for the sourcing of new items and the development of existing brands, ensuring that product mix is competitive while maximizing profits.
• Lead procurement initiatives of assigned categories.
• Recognize procurement needs and gaps in procurement, inventory and supply chain and create and execute strategies to address same.

• Develops and builds relationships with new and existing vendors and suppliers.
• Participates in the negotiation of terms to maximize business profits and deliver best value to customers.
• Keep appraised of and respond appropriately to, any changes in the governmental or local, regional or international environment that could impact SPL’s business, including, but not limited to forecasting price trends.
• Manage Suppliers per SLA and manage implementation of projects, policies and procedures including relevant communication with key stakeholders.
• Establish and continually build relationships with suppliers, locally and internationally to ensure ease of procurement and initiate plans for shortages and product recalls.
• The management of vendor fill rates to achieve target of over 90% as well as leveraging supplier knowledge and expertise to grow categories through innovative products as well as product extensions.

• Develop and implement category strategies and business plans to support profitable and sustained growth through optimal product selection, pricing, merchandising and promotion.
• Identify opportunities for category growth using proven consumer insights and data driven methods. Assess complex shopper data and produce meaningful information for the categories.

• Develops and maintains comprehensive analysis of assigned categories by vendor, brand, and store as appropriate producing monthly category and vendor reports.
• Develops and applies insights gained from analysis in planning activities and ensures timely and effective communication with all relevant Company personnel, including but not limited to Executive Management and Store Management.

• Continuously develop in-depth knowledge of product lines, vendors, and consumer shopping behaviors for assigned categories. Stay updated on industry trends, emerging brands, and innovations in health, beauty, and cosmetics.

• Manages stock levels according to sales trends to ensure effective SKU control and proper inventory levels at all locations.
• Ensure accurate inventory management for categories, including but not limited to, Optimum Stock Levels, Management of SLOBs, Inventory Turns, Depletion Plans and Min/Max Stock levels.
• Review purchase orders, check requests and/or other related documentation for completeness and compliance with financial policies, procedures and contractual arrangements.
• Establish procedures to procure products in Emergency stock outs from alternative sources. Develop and manage specific projects/assignments to avoid stock-outs.

• Creates sales and promotional plans in conjunction with vendor partners and Company Operations personnel, to support outstanding store execution.
• Understands the capabilities of stores and the needs of customers in order to facilitate efficient decision making.
• Develops and maintains promotional plans for key assigned categories as part of the Company’s Promotions & Activity Calendar.

• Reviews planograms and coordinates with Operations and Store Management to ensure effective execution of same at store level.
• Work with key local and international partners to enhance merchandising at retail stores.

• Delivers clear, concise communications across all areas of the business, relative to category.
• Partners with the Operations team to accomplish desired goals and objectives, including but not limited to: pricing, merchandising, promotions, inventory management and ultimately meeting sales targets.

• Provides strong leadership, coaching and mentoring to the Category Management Support Team.
• Effectively manages direct reports, which may include but is not limited to: Category Analyst; and Replenishment Technician, setting specific goals for each report.

• In-depth knowledge of the fundamental principles of the procurement and supply chain process.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a team of direct reports.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical, financial and P&L skills.
• Demonstrated judgement, initiative and discretion.
• Computer literate and intermediate to advanced proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, including but not limited to Excel; Word and PowerPoint.

• Candidate must have a valid driver’s license and possess a vehicle in good working condition that he/she is willing to use in the execution of job responsibilities.
• Ability to travel overseas from time to time for the purpose of attending trade shows.

• Bachelors degree in Business Management, or Business Administration.
• Experience and/or qualifications in the field of Purchasing and/or Supply Chain Management.
• Five (5) years’ work experience in a similar capacity.
• Retail experience is required.
• Experience working with software such as Power BI, Targit or any similar reporting tool.