BUYER: PORK
Full Job Description
Develop and execute the Pork Category strategy to ensure delivery of operational excellenceSupport the co-ordination of the Pork Matrix Team to deliver the Pork Category strategyThe Pork Matrix Team is the main Team responsible for ensuring Christmas is a success for the Meat Department every year and as the Commercial lead it us up to the Pork Buyer to pull all levers to ensure this.Analyze and interpret market and sales data to develop tactical plans to drive the desired outcomeFormulate category plans with suppliersMonitor and interpret industry and international trends (doing both local and international benchmarking)Lead & facilitate & implement the Pork departmental and supplier strategies.Establish a commercially viable pork product range strategy and manage the implementation thereof.Manage open book costing models and promotional funding and Category Equalisation Funds.Develop good working relationships with all primary & secondary suppliers and all other key stakeholders.Lead optimizing & balancing the pork carcass through pulling all levers available to ensure efficient use of the entire lamb carcass.Build a powerful & exclusive pork range of products that we ensure Woolworths leads as a key destination for this category.Review and drive Woolworths' performance data (sales, volume growth, profit, market share, market size etc.) for the Pork Department and make comparisons against competition i.t.o range, price, promotions and product developmentIdentify and prioritise the key commercial strategies and accompanying quantifiable goals and KPI's for the Pork Department in line with category operating planEnsure internal and external colleagues understand and work to deliver the department category planReview department performance versus Department Scorecards on a regular basis and inform key stakeholdersManage financial accountabilities; margins (including strategic buy-in opportunities in consultation with Planning & Assortment & Merchandising teams), incentives, settlement discounts, departmental charges, sample account, buyer losses, etc.Negotiate price, promotional price and new lines, considering price tiering / product positioning and financial targetsIntegrate with Trade Planning & Sales Development teams to draw up and implement Promotional Calendar.Plan and implement promotional strategies and ensure you manage a 100% supplier service level delivery every day.Establish category price position while applying an understanding of customer price perception, impacts on KVIs, and of competitor pricingAvailability: Manage short- and long-term availability per category and per supplierGive input to Category and Supplier strategies and end-to-end sourcing of raw materialDevelop and implement pricing strategiesGive input to the planning and forecasting of products and rangesBuild and manage relationships with a diverse range of suppliersLiaise with marketing, sales management and space planning to maximise sales and promotions in storesLiaise with distribution regarding Supply Chain issuesMonitor supplier order fill targeting 100% every day and product staticMentor and support the development of Buyers Assistants
Desired Experience & Qualification
High energy individual who can drive the Pork Category with speed & urgency
Relevant commercial degree / diploma
Minimum of 3 years buying experience in the perishable industry
Proven experience in managing a Foods/FMCG department
Procurement experience within a retail, FMCG environment or meat industry experience – knowledge of store operations, customer profiles, locations & competitors
Proven sourcing and supplier management experience
Proven ability to provide tactical input and deliver the category operating plan
Strong integrator and the ability to work in a matrix structure with proven leadership skills
Strong negotiation and financial management skills
Proven ability to deliver the following category KPIs (ie. market share, sales growth, margin, ROS, availability)
Has an intimate understanding of who the customer is and the ability to view the world through their eyes
Consistently makes logical deductions from given information and uses these to transform the Pork Department
Can consistently convey information clearly and confidently when interacting with teams
Understanding of Supply Chain processes and principles
In depth understanding and application of Woolworths' quality standards
Technical understanding of the Meat category is advantageous
Understanding of factors influencing a product's cost and selling prices
Proactive & Innovative with a continuous improvement mindset
Strong customer and retail orientation - sound business and financial acumen
Entrepreneurial – ability to initiate and implement innovative and viable business ideas and to accept accountability for the outcome
Team player with understanding of diversity
Good communication skills, both written and verbal
Working at
Woolworths
Woolworths is a leading retail chain headquartered in South Africa, known for offering high-quality food, clothing, beauty products, and home goods. Established in 1931, it operates with a focus on premium quality, sustainability, and exceptional customer service. Woolworths is widely recognized for its fresh produce, ready-to-eat meals, and organic products, as well as its stylish and durable clothing lines. The brand is committed to ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility, making it a preferred choice for conscious consumers.
