About me

As a retail buyer with over 6 years of experience, I am always busy improving my skills and knowledge. I am busy learning German and I am at a beginner speaking level. I have also just enrolled to complete a Diploma in Procurement and supply from CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) to build on my 4 year Bachelor's degree in Consumer Science.

I feel I can contribute an array of skills to any buying department as my experience includes working with all product commodities such as knit and woven tops, bottoms, jackets, sweats, dresses and active wear. I have an excellent understanding of garment construction, fits and fabrics and I feel it is my attention to detail that will make me an asset to the team. I have acquired valuable skills in terms of data analytics, range planning, forecasting, replenishments and stock allocations. I am also a trader at heart and I have learnt that adapting to change and being able to react is essential to a successful buying department.

As the head buyer of my current company, I also have excellent people management skills and have two buyers reporting directly to me. I have been overseeing the men's suiting division as well as all ladies wear dress departments and accessories for the past year. We have grown the menswear division by 17% and ladies wear by 13% year to date on same-stores in a very tough economic climate. My current portfolio includes managing a combined receipt plan of R35 million a year, with a sales plan of R95 million annually. We are also planning an aggressive growth for the next financial year due to the introduction of new categories in menswear as well as diversifying the product assortment.

Innovation runs in my blood and I love being part of a new venture or project. I have been part of various startup categories that involved conceptualizing, creativity and reactivity to market trends. At my current company which is a bridal and special occasions retailer, I have introduced various new product categories into the business namely lingerie, sleepwear, gifting and menswear separates. These have proven to be successful tests, and there are aggressive growths planned for this financial year.

I feel one of the key success drivers behind a buying department is the supplier base. For the past two years, I have been able to source and build a very strong supplier base from the ground up. These suppliers range from local manufacturers to International vendors and as a company we have been able to sustain double digit growths due to new exciting product, better prices and speed to market. I pride myself in maintaining good supplier relations where standards and expectations are set from the start, but to always ensure you work together towards an end goal where there is a win-win situation.

I really want to be part of a fast paced environment where one can constantly grow and learn with like-minded creative individuals. I am very ambitious and I am always looking for opportunities to grow in my career. I will be able to contribute a wealth of knowledge and skills to any buying department whilst also stretching myself by working with a new target market in a new country.

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