Head of Buying Jet at TFG (The Foschini Group)

Responsibilities


Lead the buying team to conceptualise and implement the merchandise strategy in line with overall company strategy.
Deliver turnover growth and margin through strong range planning, pricing, and in‑season trade actions.
Maintain and grow market share while proactively countering competitor activity
Execute the product/range strategy across store and online in collaboration with suppliers, planning, marketing, logistics and store operations.
Build and manage sustainable supplier relationships (local & offshore) to ensure capability, quality and agility.
Negotiate commercial terms in line with margin, service and quality targets.
Manage stock levels using seasonal forecasts and QR/in‑season trading, including replenishment where applicable.
Ensure supply reliability through robust critical‑path ownership and proactive risk mitigation.
Drive product development and testing to land trend‑right, quality product at speed.
Lead and develop the team, ensuring effective resourcing, clear context and a strong talent pipeline.
Own the purchasing strategy and activity, ensuring optimal supplier performance and cost.
Develop and implement functional strategies that add value, mitigate supply risk and deliver savings.
Partner across functions (Planning, Design, Sourcing/QA, Marketing, Logistics, Online) to meet corporate and growth objectives.
Conduct market and competitor analysis, international and local benchmarking, and buying trips to inform seasonal direction.
Maintain a financial cadence (week/month/quarter) to optimise sales, GP%, stock turn and clearance.


Qualifications
Qualifications and Experience:


Must have a relevant Business Degree
4-5 years at senior level with people leadership.
Minimum 10 years relevant Retail buying/merchandise experience
Proven track record building and maintaining strategic supplier relationships (local & offshore).
Experience leading a purchasing/buying function, delivering effective sourcing and purchasing strategies.
Proven track record of managing and leading high performing teams


Skills:


Analytical processes & numerical acuity (financial ratios, KPI tracking).
Ability to drive change, persuade and influence internal and external stakeholders.
Commercial acumen and trade management (W/M/Q rhythm).
Range building & assortment architecture (good - better - best).
Product development & product testing.
Supplier management & contract/terms negotiation (local & offshore).
Quick Response (QR) & in‑season trading.
Planning & organising; critical‑path management.
Market research & competitor benchmarking.
Office systems and CAD proficiency.
Policy & procedures; requirements analysis.
Stakeholder management and cross‑functional collaboration.
Global sourcing exposure.
Thrives under pressure and delivers to tight deadlines with strong problem‑solving.
Exceptional analytical ability to evaluate and drive functional KPIs (sales growth, GP%, stock turn, clearance).
Strong written and verbal communication across all levels of the organisation.
Proven leadership in attracting, growing and motivating team members.
Demonstrated ability to drive merchandise strategy with innovative, trend‑led thinking and strong commercial outcomes.
Comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels.


Behaviours:


Being Resilient - rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.
Building Effective Teams - forms, develops and leads a group of individuals toward the achievement of a common team objective
Cultivates Innovation - creates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of creativity which drives success
Decision Quality - consistently makes timely, well-rounded and informed decisions
Drives Engagement - inspires, motivates and empowers individuals to go above and beyond for the benefit of the team and the organisation
Ensures Accountability - takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets
Manages Complexity - interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems
Situational Adaptability - effectively adjusts their behaviour, approach, and decision-making based on the situation
Strategic Mindset - thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the organisation