Senior Footwear Buyer - Totalsports

Position Description:The opportunity:Totalsports is the largest Sporting Goods Retail brand in Southern Africa. We remain positioned as the premier omnichannel sporting goods destination offering both an in-store and online experience. Our purpose is to inspire and unlock potential, by making sport and fitness accessible to all.Our strategic partners include international sports brands who enable us to us delight customers with the latest technical footwear and apparel offerings as well as the hottest post work out gear.The Totalsports assortment incorporates footwear; apparel; equipment, technology, and accessories, thereby cementing market leadership.In Totalsports we believe that sports change lives.  If you believe this too, then we have the perfect position for you.An exciting opportunity has become available in our Buying team for a Senior Footwear Buyer , with a focus on technical & lifestyle footwear.Responsibilities:Securing both technical and after sport footwear from International brands across categories to ensure our consumers' needs are met in all 320 storesProcuring Totalsports Own brand footwear range aligned to the strategy with special attention to quick response and trading opportunitiesFormulate departmental strategies to maximize sales, in line with Totalsports Top line strategyObsess our consumer to ensure our Technical footwear offer exceeds consumer expectation for all running and training needsAnalyse previous sales patterns, market trends and product/brand lifecycles make sound buying decisionsBuild and maintain good relationships with key partners and suppliersAssess complex situations and implement workable solutionsHave a sound knowledge of competitors in the marketTo apply you need to have:Have experience at a senior buyer level (5+ years essential)Strong footwear background in both brands and own brand developmentIn depth knowledge of Technical footwear and brandsHave a high degree of organisation and prioritization skillsHave a strong business acumen and merchant thinkingExcellent planning, organising and interpersonal skillsHave a high degree of decision making ability and be service orientatedBe assertive and communicate at all levelsBe a team playerA proven solid track record in buyingAn interest in and knowledge of trendsDriver's licenseWilling to travel locally and internationallyWillingness to immerse yourself into the world of sports and sporting eventsA working knowledge of the current computer software packages (knowledge of Excel, Word & E-mail would be preferable)Preference will be given, but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act