Senior Buying Manager - Private Label

About the role

TFG Sports, part of Sportscene, is looking for a Senior Buying Manager focused on its private label brands. The role suits a high-energy, self-motivated person with strong people management skills who can build and manage strategic own-brand partnerships in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute seasonal product strategies, working with the Planning Manager and adapting to economic trends
• Own the product development cycle, from concept through design, sample and bulk production approvals, and manage range architecture and price tiers
• Drive weekly, monthly and seasonal sales performance, sales margin and clearance, and run in-season trade actions
• Manage KPIs including sales, margin, clearance, stock management and stock turn
• Collaborate with planning, e-commerce, marketing and store operations, and guide marketing on launches and promotions
• Build supplier partnerships, negotiate margins and lead times, and ensure suppliers meet social and ethical requirements
• Lead and develop the buying team, covering buying, design and quality assurance, and mentor staff
• Keep the buying critical path aligned to the merchandise cycle and reduce lead times
• Support group projects such as 3D, sustainability and quick response, and visit stores and markets regularly

Required profile

• Relevant tertiary qualification
• Minimum 3 years of management-level experience, including people and team management
• Minimum 10 years of relevant buying or merchandise experience is essential
• Proven track record of strategic supplier relationships and driving a merchandise strategy
• Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders and work under pressure to tight deadlines
• Strong analytical ability and leadership; preference for candidates from designated groups under the Employment Equity Act