Central Buying Analyst: Systems

JOB PURPOSE:To ensure effectiveness of the business operations as identified through Buying Projects and efficient Systems Enablement related to Buying initiatives.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Systems Enablement and SupportMaintain and optimise buying related systems (e.g. PLM / Centric)Troubleshoot system issues and coordinate resolution with IT and external vendors.Ensure system stability and accuracy across all buying cycles.Provide first line system support to the buying teamsBusiness Process Analysis and ImprovementAnalyse current buying processes and identify gaps, inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.Map end to end buying workflows and ensure alignment with system capabilities.Recommend enhancements that streamline buying operations and drive productivity.Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs and training materials.Buying Project SupportSupport buying related projects from initiation to implementation.Participate in project scoping, functional specification development, testing and roll-out.Work closely with project managers to ensure buying requirements are fully understood and delivered.Conduct system testing (UAT), validate functionalities and provide input on go live readiness.Data Accuracy and ReportingEnsure accurate and consistent data capture across buying systems.Develop and maintain dashboards, reports and analytics that support decision making.Validate data integrity for assortment planning, costings, vendor data and product lifecycle management.Training and Change ManagementAssist in Training Buying Teams on new system features, upgrades and best practices.Communicate system changes clearly and manage user adoption.Deliver post implementation support and ongoing capability building.Stakeholder CollaborationAct as the link between Buying, IT, Merchandise Planning, Logistics and Finance (Systems Manager, Systems Analyst: Buying, Buyers, Buying Managers, Trend & Design Specialist, Product Technology Team Leaders, Fabric technologists, Buyer’s Assistants, Central Buying Analysts; Planning Managers, Central Planning, Product Planners)Gather business requirements and translate them into technical specifications.Facilitate cross functional alignment for system changes and upgrades.Communication is:Professional & suited for the audienceConsistentAccurate SimplisticEXPERIENCE REQUIRED:Essential:3 years’ experience in retail buying systems, merchandise systems or a business analyst role.Experience supporting or implementing retail systems (ERP/Centric) is highly beneficial.Preferred:Exposure to retail buying processes and product development cycles.Project management SKILLS REQUIRED:Working knowledge of merchandising systems (ERP Systems, PLM, Forecasting/Planning tools)Data analysis skills (Excel, Power BI)Understanding of system testing, configuration and functional supportProject management skills Strong communication skillsThe ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical users The ability to communicate effectively at all levels within the companyMerchant skills & a sound commercial mentalityExcellent interpersonal skills Exceptional planning, organizing & time management skills The ability to be resilient, have tenacity and maintain high levels of drive and initiative under pressureNetworking skills & the ability to be resourcefulThe ability to prioritiseThe ability to be assertiveThe ability to work independently, as well as be a team playerBuilding effective relationshipsKNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:Knowledge of the retail merchandise cycle with regards to Buying Knowledge of buying principles & strategiesQUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:Essential:A Grade 12 Certificate/MatricA relevant Degree/Diploma in Business Systems, Information Systems, Supply Chain, Merchandising, Product Development or related field.