Category Manager (Merchandiser)

We are looking for Merchandiser (Buyers, Category Manager):A. RESPONSIBILITIES: · To be responsible for delivering the merchandise strategy for specific Merchandise Departments, ensuring that sales, profit and income generation targets are met.1)  Sales Generation· Generate sales by ensuring that the Guardian’s target customers are provided with the products and services that they want.· Seek innovative products sourced throughout the world to provide newness and interest in the Guardian’s offer.· Develop in liaison with the marketing department attractive and interesting promotional events that follow a pre-agreed selling plan.· Work closely with retail and sales management to ensure that store layouts, promotions, and display techniques are effective in maximizing sales and profit from the specific merchandise categories.· Keep abreast of the retail environment by paying regular visits to stores and competitors and taking appropriate action to maintain competitive advantage.· Develop a cataloging matrix to ensure that varying customer needs are satisfied in different localities.2)  Profit Generation· Establish and maintain effective margin and price controls that maximize business profits whilst delivering a good value offer to the customer.· Negotiate and work with vendors to build mutually beneficial relationships to ensure long-term strategic partnerships, leading to lower costs and higher margins.· Maximize profit by utilizing category management techniques to manage assortments, pricing, and promotion.3)  Stock Control· Manage stock levels and mark-downs to ensure that product availability is high yet ensure that cash flow is maximized by controlling stock levels in both warehouse and stores within set targets.· Establish and maintain effective SKU control.4)  Systems and People-  Actively exploit benefits of the new merchandise management system ensuring sales, profit and costs are effectively managed.-   Develop and train subordinates ensuring that they are customer and product-focused.-   Manage performance through the setting and reviewing of individuals’ performance.-  Build an effective and open working relationship both within the Merchandise Department and with other Departments.-  Assert a high level of administrative control to ensure the smooth running of the specific Merchandise Departments.5) Dimensions-   Important quantitative items that best describe the scope of your job (eg sales volume, budgetary responsibility, number of subordinates).-   Budgeted sales, profit, income and stock levels.6)  Decision-Making Authority-   Buying for responsible categories.-   Vendor negotiations on margin, promotions and listings.-   Retail pricing-   In-store display for relevant categories.