Triathlon
Justine Lees
New Business Development, Retail Buying and Sales.
Cape Town
Summary
Analytical Senior Buyer with 20+ years of experience conducting in-depth research and negotiating pricing with vendors to purchase various products. Successful in maintaining business relationships with existing vendors and identifying new business opportunities to engage with potential suppliers and customers. Efficient in carefully reviewing pricing, terms and conditions prior to forming agreements.
In depth understanding of production ,supply chain and shipping processes.
Enthusiastic professional eager to contribute to team success through hard work, attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Clear understanding of the SA market and SA retailers. Diploma's in Business Management, Project management, Digital marketing and Negotiation skills.
Motivated to learn, grow and excel.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
New Business Development , Consulting and Sales
Justine Lees Agencies
Cape Town, Western Cape
06.2017 - Current
- Currently working across Eight SA retailers, 10 divisions, 30+ buyers , planners and buying assistants.
- Responsible for end to end design, production and delivery of finished goods.
- Collaborated with sales and marketing departments to support project roll out.
- Negotiated, prepared and signed contracts with client
- Consistently exceeded quotas through penetration of new accounts.
- Identified and pursued valuable business opportunities to generate new company revenue and improve bottom line profit.
- Maintained high level of integrity by keeping sensitive client data and corporate information confidential.
- Evaluated client business needs and matched customers to appropriate products and resources.
- Created reports and presentations detailing business development activities.
- Performed client research and identified opportunities for account growth, account penetration and market expansion.
- Collaborated with company departments to develop new strategies to capitalize on emerging customer and market trends.
- Designed new projects with timelines, budgets and scope of work plans.
- Increased profits by through effective client engagement.
- Reviewed established policies and procedures to take on temporary leadership positions, motivate employees and facilitate smooth operations.
- Communicated best practices among on-site and external personnel to align efforts and goals.
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
- Grew sales and boosted profits, applying proactive management strategies.
- Fulfilled orders and sourced products to meet rigorous customer delivery schedules.
- Processed product returns and assisted customers with other selections.
- Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
- Created reports and presentations detailing business development activities
Senior Buyer -Ladies Casualwear
DUNNS/PEPKOR GROUP
Cape Town
11.2015 - 06.2017
- Re-established Ladies Casual wear business within Dunns to regain market share.
- Final season results 128% up on seasonal plan. Projected sales for following season set at 153% up on previous years plan.
- Notably also responsible for repositioning, re-branding introducing better pricing principals and sourcing strategies as well as on boarding entirely new supplier base to achieve departmental strategic objectives.
- Re-strategized , streamlined and set up efficient replenishment processes for struggling Men’s and Ladies Smalls department to increase profitability.
- Entered failing business ,re positioned and reinvigorated brand making business profitable by gaining insight into customer and setting strategic intent and direction.
- Determined lowest possible cost, factoring in quality and reliability and negotiated favorable contracts
- Vast textile, production and shipping knowledge ,assisted in streamlining supplier base (Local and Import)
- Adjusted range based on trends and understanding of SA consumer (in line with Dunns target market)
- Worked closely with key suppliers to support key strategic objectives.
- Traveled to East to source suitable supplier base (Negotiating with various factories to secure correct quality,look and price in line with Dunns critical objectives.
- Ensured quality and price of products remained at optimum levels.
- Achieved department key performance indicators (including sales, closing stock and stock turn) and ensuring continued growth of department.
- Constantly analyzed sales, customer and supplier statistics.
- Exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and great work ethic.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Traveled internationally two times per year to observe newest trends and make proactive buying choices.
- Sourced new vendors in effort to boost range of products offered in store locations while reducing costs through strategic contract negotiations.
- Placed orders for merchandise consistent with quality, quantity and other specification requirements.
Divisional Buying Manager -Men's &Ladies Apparel.
TAKEALOT
Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
03.2014 - 09.2015
- Launched Takealot Fashion Platform.
- Employed and led new team to launch new fashion division.
- Directly managed team of 5 people.
- Set and successfully executed critical strategic objectives across Men’s and Women’s Apparel, Footwear and Accessories.
- Formulated internal and customer facing SOP's for fashion division.
- Executed evolution from startup mode to fully functioning Fashion e-tailer.
- Reported directly to CEO and board of Directors.
- Managed stock and availability.
- Developed and managed supplier relationships.
- Formulated trading terms and managed supplier base.
- Set service level agreements with key internal and external partner to streamline effective day to day running of business.
- Conceptualized start up plan including market share data, sales forecasts, stock , stock turn and profitability structures.
- Formulated initial business and financial strategy, based on SA market indicators.
- Set up logistics and warehousing processes.
- Developed User Interface including product listings, landing pages and all functional site pages.
- Developed and executed Marketing strategy, collaborating with international brand campaigns where relevant.
- Led projects and analyzed data to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Prepared variety of different written communications, reports and documents
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and other communications
- Exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and great work ethic
- Improved operations through consistent hard work and dedication
Senior Buyer -Menswear
MARKHAM
Cape Town
06.2011 - 03.2014
- Refined and relaunched International Brand Division within Markham business.
- Researched and integrated relevant menswear brands into business maximizing marketing collaborations with international brands and in-store opportunities.
- Managed 12 different brands.
- Implemented on boarding of G-Star into Markham business.
- Procured correct international branded product within relevant pricing structure to build ranges in line with Markham business strategy and achieve department key performance indicators (including sales, closing stock and stock turn) and ensuring continued growth of department.
- Constantly analyzed sales, customer and supplier statistics.
- Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
- Collaborated with buyers for special events and seasonal promotions to maintain adequate product stock and drive sales
- Brands included : Apparel, G-Star, Levi and Guess, Footwear - Adidas, Nike, Puma, Caterpillar, Superga, Havaianas, Bronx and Reebok.
- Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins
- Determined lowest possible cost, factoring in quality and reliability and negotiated favorable contracts
- Performed extensive vendor and supplier research to identify cost-effective options and product availability
- Negotiated policies and contracts with vendors to achieve optimal pricing and consistent availability
Senior Buyer-Ladies Wear
SPORTSCENE (TFG SPORTS DIVISION)
Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
08.2007 - 06.2011
- Product design and development for re-launch of Red Bat ladies in-house fashion brand.
- Bought ladies wear in its entirety utilizing range building and pricing principal tools to provide relevant merchandise & product value to improve profitability and sustain growth.
- Worked with 7 international ladies wear brands as well as local and import suppliers.
- Extensive fabric,and production knowledge assisted in effective price negotiations to achieve department key performance indicators.
- Mentored and managed of accessory buyer.
- Focus on procuring correct own brand and international brand mix in line with SPORTSCENE brand identity and brand partners strategies
- Commodities bought: denim, casual pants,dresses, knitted tops, woven tops, sweat tops and knitwear.
- Brands bought: Adidas, Nike, Puma, Reebok Levi, Billabong and Quicksilver/Roxy
- Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
- Performed extensive vendor and supplier research to identify cost-effective options and product availability
- Met with suppliers to assess changes and determine proper courses of action
- Developed and improved account relationships
- Performed extensive vendor and supplier research to identify cost-effective options and product availability.
- Met with suppliers to assess changes and determine proper courses of action.
- Removed poor performing items from future buys.
Buyer - Acivewear/Swimwear/Maternitywear
WOOLWORTHS
Cape Town
01.2004 - 07.2007
- Ladies Active wear and Swimwear buyer.
- Increased profitability by identifying key core lines and key local suppliers to execute each core line.
- Streamlined department by capitalizing on key commodities and eliminating fashion items where necessary.
- Ensured relevant weighting of Core/Replenishment to fashion.
- Researched local and international trends and interpreted into product relevant for Woolworths customer.
- Procurement of ranges, involving departmental and inter department co-ordination.
- Focus on value for money,to maximize sales and achieve primary buying margins.
- Achieved department key performance indicators (including sales, closing stock and stock turn)
- Understanding of fabric composition and supplier key competencies and strengths facilitated maintaining of Woolworths high quality standards.
- Adherence to critical path, ensure correct product to correct stores in correct volumes.
- Additional portfolio ,initial concept, inception and launch of Fashion Firsts department added in 2005.
- Additional portfolio maternity wear added in –Winter 2006.
Buyer -Knitwear /Swimwear
Truworths
Cape Town
03.1997 - 03.2003
- Swimwear and Knitwear Buyer.
- Completed trainee buyer program 1997.
- Identifying designing and purchase of appropriate products in line with both Truworths image and current trends.
- Working within budgets, sales plans and stock control parameters.
- Quality control, ensuring delivery and sample merchandise are met
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
- Determined lowest possible cost, factoring in quality and supply chain reliability,
- Reviewed proposals, qualified vendors and recommended optimal suppliers.
- Liaised with internal and external stakeholders to identify and leverage contract value opportunities
- Evaluated new supplier capabilities to significantly reduce risks, improve operational visibility and create greater value for products and services
- Managed and developed relationships with suppliers to attain maximum cost efficiency and leverage buying power
- Communicated with suppliers to negotiate best pricing on knitwear and swimwear.
- Monitored and analyzed sales records, trends or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns and determine suitable type and quantity of company inventory items.
- Oversaw procurement of product.
- Reviewed buying trends to ascertain correct assortment of apparel for maximum sales and profits.
- Traveled internationally to observe newest trends and make proactive buying choices.
- Placed orders for merchandise consistent with quality, quantity and other specification requirements.
- Participated in team-building activities to enhance working relationships.
- Created plans and communicated deadlines to complete projects on time.
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Participated in team-building activities to enhance working relationships
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
- Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
- Learned new skills and applied to daily tasks to improve efficiency and productivity
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule
- Traveled internationally 2 times per year to observe newest trends and make proactive buying choices
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork
- Reviewed order updates to identify best practices aligned with corporate goals
- Developed and improved account relationships
- Met with suppliers to assess changes and determine proper courses of action
- Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time
- Monitored company inventory to keep stock levels and databases updated
- Administered purchase order processes and placed orders as requested, anticipating demand and providing customers with desired products
- Maintained appropriate inventory levels based on management direction, supporting budgetary equilibrium and customer satisfaction
- Collaborated with strategic partners to develop and manage key performance indicators and quality assurance processes
- Worked with departments to find new and better items to fulfill diverse needs
- Analyzed and reviewed reorder report recommendations for daily and weekly replenishment, following up with appropriate staff as necessary
- Reviewed proposals, qualified vendors and recommended optimal suppliers
Education
Online Course - The Art of Negotiation
MASTERCLASS
USA 10.2021 - 12.2021
Diploma - Business Administration And Management
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, WC 08.2015 - 12.2015
Diploma - Project Management
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, WC 08.2015 - 12.2015
Diploma - Digital Communications And Multimedia
University of Cape Town
Cape Town 08.2015 - 12.2022
Leadership - Organizational Leadership
Wits University
Johannesburg, GP 09.2012 - 12.2012
Negotiation Skills - Negotiation Skills
Wits Business School
Johannesburg, GP 05.2011 - 08.2011
Fashion Design And Pattern Making - Fashion Design
Central S Martins School of Design
London , United Kingdom 01.1998 - Nov 1998
Skills
Excellent Communication
Additional Information
- 1995 : Semi Finalist Best Young Designer (Fair Lady/Revlon Int.)
- 1990 : Winner of the Best Young Designer Award (Fair Lady/Triumph)
Interests
Yoga
Health and Nutrition
Timeline
Online Course - The Art of Negotiation
MASTERCLASS
10.2021 - 12.2021
New Business Development , Consulting and Sales
Justine Lees Agencies
06.2017 - Current
Senior Buyer -Ladies Casualwear
DUNNS/PEPKOR GROUP
11.2015 - 06.2017
Diploma - Business Administration And Management
University of Cape Town
08.2015 - 12.2015
Diploma - Project Management
University of Cape Town
08.2015 - 12.2015
Diploma - Digital Communications And Multimedia
University of Cape Town
08.2015 - 12.2022
Divisional Buying Manager -Men's &Ladies Apparel.
TAKEALOT
03.2014 - 09.2015
Leadership - Organizational Leadership
Wits University
09.2012 - 12.2012
Senior Buyer -Menswear
MARKHAM
06.2011 - 03.2014
Negotiation Skills - Negotiation Skills
Wits Business School
05.2011 - 08.2011
Senior Buyer-Ladies Wear
SPORTSCENE (TFG SPORTS DIVISION)
08.2007 - 06.2011
Buyer - Acivewear/Swimwear/Maternitywear
WOOLWORTHS
01.2004 - 07.2007
Fashion Design And Pattern Making - Fashion Design
Central S Martins School of Design
01.1998 - Nov 1998
Buyer -Knitwear /Swimwear
Truworths
03.1997 - 03.2003
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