Company: Value Logistics
Industry: Logistics and Transportation
Deadline: Not specified
Job Type: Full Time
Qualification: Matric
Experience: 10 years
Location: Gauteng
City: Johannesburg
Field: Procurement / Store-keeping / Supply Chain
Job Title: Merchandise Manager
Purpose of the Job
- The Merchandise Manager will be responsible for managing the Key Distributors’ Merchandise team and driving the overall buying strategy. This role requires strong leadership in ensuring competitiveness, building a sound merchandise strategy, and delivering the right product mix to maximize sales, margins, and stock efficiency. The individual will play a central role in supplier negotiations, promotional planning, and aligning the merchandise strategy with customer needs and market trends.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a robust merchandise strategy aligned with company goals
- Lead, manage, and mentor the Merchandise (Buying) team to deliver optimal results
- Build and maintain strong, strategic supplier relationships
- Design and execute a marketing and promotional plan, including line selection, pricing, and promotional activities to drive sales
- Set competitive selling prices while ensuring target margins are achieved through best cost negotiations
- Manage and optimize product mix to meet customer demand and maintain competitiveness
- Build and maintain a strong, core merchandise range essential for the markets Key Distributors trade in
- Monitor and manage stock levels in line with agreed days cover and business requirements
- Identify opportunities for new product lines, strategic buy-ins, and category growth
- Analyse market trends and make data-driven decisions to stay ahead of competitors
- Forecast, budget, and plan merchandise requirements to support growth targets
- Collaborate closely with sales teams and warehouses to ensure seamless operations and delivery
- Regularly visit customers to understand market needs and strengthen Key Distributors’ market position
Minimum Requirements
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- Minimum of 10 years’ senior buying experience in the FMCG (Food) sector
- Tertiary qualification in Business, Supply Chain, or related field advantageous
