Nandi Zulu-Mantsi

· Budget management between portfolios/categories.

· Trend’s analysis and interpretation into current customer.

· Product flow management by month and seasons.

· Supplier negotiations for the best cost possible for the organization and customer while ensuring to keep to company quality specifications and needs

· Product and market analysis through market trends which is used to develop product assortment and plan flow of product.

· Cost optimization, negotiation with suppliers to come into cost and working closely with planning to ensure cost reduction and optimization within the portfolio.

· Order placement, amendment of orders and cancellation of QC failed orders.

· ERP implementation- using systems to ensure that planning, purchase orders and stock management is achieved on a day-to-day basis.

· Strategic buying- identification of good performing products that warrant a repeat order based on good sell thru% or high turn around in sales.

· Identification of growth opportunities and risks within the assortment and developing contingency plans for any risk stock that may have to go on markdowns and manage markdown levels to ensure that sales targets are met

· Inventory/stock control- working closely with planning to sure sufficient stock levels, times that stock is to enter the DC.

· Distribution management- making sure that purchase orders are linked to the correct DC and the time that stock is to arrive in the DC will correspond with the time the stock is needed in store

· Generating reports that support range builds and laydowns in the beginning and end of the season to better understand sales opportunities and future threats.

· Working closely with marketing and store operations team to ensure product awareness that led to sales.

· Reviewed each store location's buying trends to ascertain correct assortment of apparel for maximum sales and profits.

• Similar role as previous role in Edcon.
• Budget management between portfolios/categories.
• Trend’s analysis and interpretation into current customer.
• Product flow management by month and seasons.
• Supplier negotiations for the best cost possible for the organization and customer while ensuring to keep to company quality specifications and needs
• Product and market analysis through market trends which is used to develop product assortment and plan flow of product.
• Cost optimization, negotiation with suppliers to come into cost and working closely with planning to ensure cost reduction and optimization within the portfolio.
• Order placement, amendment of orders and cancellation of QC failed orders.
• ERP implementation- using systems to ensure that planning, purchase orders and stock management is achieved on a day-to-day basis.
• Strategic buying- identification of good performing products that warrant a repeat order based on good sell thru% or high turn around in sales.
• Identification of growth opportunities and risks within the assortment and developing contingency plans for any risk stock that may have to go on markdowns and manage markdown levels to ensure that sales targets are met
• Inventory/stock control- working closely with planning to sure sufficient stock levels, times that stock is to enter the DC.
• Distribution management- making sure that purchase orders are linked to the correct DC and the time that stock is to arrive in the DC will correspond with the time the stock is needed in store
• Generating reports that support range builds and laydowns in the beginning and end of the season to better understand sales opportunities and future threats.
• Working closely with marketing and store operations team to ensure product awareness that led to sales.
• Reviewed each store location’s buying trends to ascertain correct assortment of apparel for maximum sales and profits.

• Processed purchase orders and invoices in accordance with company procedures.
• Reviewed international trends and current stock performance to identify winners to repeat.
• Coordinated with sales and marketing teams to develop promotional strategies, boosting product visibility and sales.
• Supported senior buyers in making informed decisions through comprehensive market research.
• Boosted team productivity by actively participating in meetings, sharing insights on market trends, and offering creative solutions to challenges faced in the buying process.
• Contributed to the development of annual budgets, taking into consideration historical sales data and future trends.
• Maximized profits by skillfully negotiating favorable payment terms, discounts, and other incentives with vendors.
• Assisted in negotiating contracts with suppliers for better pricing and delivery terms.

• Generating of orders and amending to meet current status of orders.
• Reviewed purchasing trends and forecast demand for inventory planning and replenishment.
• Collaborated with marketing teams to help present my department product.
• Assisted in creating seasonal ranges as per current trends.
• Collaborated with merchandising team to plan and execute visually appealing in-store displays.
• Assisted in managing open-to-buy budgets efficiently by tracking expenditures and making informed adjustments based on financial goals.
• Assisted in negotiating costs with suppliers, resulting in significant savings for the company.
• Assisted in developing seasonal buying plans, ensuring optimal merchandise assortment to meet customer demands.
• Negotiated with vendors to secure exclusive products, distinguishing our offerings from competitors.
• Assisted in selection of merchandise that aligned with consumer preferences and seasonal trends, increasing customer satisfaction.
• Monitored inventory levels to trigger timely reorders, avoiding stockouts and lost sales.
• Supported senior buyers in executing successful product launches, contributing to increased sales and brand exposure.
• Assisted in setting pricing strategies that balanced competitiveness with profitability.
• Coordinated with finance department to reconcile invoices and payments, streamlining procurement cycle.

• Budget development/management- ensuring that different categories are assigned sufficient funds based on previous performance and growth expectations
• Cost optimization- working closely with planning to ensure cost reduction and optimization within the portfolio.
• ERP implementation- using systems to ensure that planning, purchase orders and stock management is achieved on a day-to-day basis.
• Global sourcing- working closely with suppliers to bring the best possible product at the best price for the company/end user. Continuous improvement of product and or of services, ensuring best possible dollar cost.
• Product and market analysis through market trends which is used to develop product assortment and plan flow of product.
• Supplier negotiations for the best cost possible for the organization and customer while ensuring to keep to company quality specifications and needs.
• Quality management- working close with the quality assurance team to ensure that every product/ SKU meets company specs.
• Strategic buying- identification of good performing products that warrant a repeat order based on good sell thru% or high turn around in sales.
• Identification of growth opportunities and risks within the assortment and developing contingency plans for any risk stock that may have to go on markdowns and manage markdown levels to ensure that sales targets are met.
• Building reports that support range builds and laydowns in the beginning and end of the season to better understand sales opportunities and future threats.
• Generating and managing purchase orders, local and international.
• Working closely with marketing and store operations team to ensure product awareness that led to sales.
• Inventory/stock control- working closely with planning to sure sufficient stock levels, times that stock is to enter the DC.
• Distribution management- making sure that purchase orders are linked to the correct DC and the time that stock is to arrive in the DC will correspond with the time the stock is needed in store.
• Sourced new vendors in effort to boost range of products offered in store locations while reducing costs through strategic contract negotiations.
• Reviewed each store location’s buying trends to ascertain correct assortment of apparel for maximum sales and profits.
• Interacted with vendors, store managers and other stakeholders to maintain on-time deliveries.

• Generation of orders and amending to meet current order status
• Reviewed purchasing trends and forecast demand for inventory planning and replenishment.
• Collaborated with marketing teams to develop targeted advertising campaigns, highlighting key product features and driving sales growth.
• Collaborated with merchandising team to plan and execute visually appealing in-store displays.
• Improved inventory management with detailed tracking and forecasting, reducing overstock and understock situations.
• Developed strong rapport with suppliers through effective communication, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that supported business growth.
• Manage open-to-buy budgets efficiently by tracking expenditures and making informed adjustments based on financial goals.
• Implemented cost-saving measures in procurement process, contributing to improved profit margins.
• Developed and maintained positive vendor relationships, ensuring access to latest products and best prices.
• Participated in trade shows and industry events to source new products and expand supplier network.
• Assisted in preparing purchase orders and monitoring order statuses to ensure on-time delivery.
• Reduced stock shortages by closely monitoring inventory levels and proactively placing orders for replenishment.
• Analyzed sales trends and adjusted purchasing strategies accordingly, maximizing profitability and minimizing overstock issues.
• Analyzed sales data to identify best-selling items and underperformers, guiding future purchasing decisions.
• Communicated with suppliers to negotiate best pricing on apparel and accessories.

• Reviewed each store location’s buying trends to ascertain correct assortment of cosmetics, watches and sunglasses for maximum sales and profits.
• Sourced new vendors in effort to boost range of products offered in store locations while reducing costs through strategic contract negotiations.
• Communicated with suppliers to negotiate best pricing on product and services after customer purchase.
• Interacted with vendors, store managers and other stakeholders to maintain on-time deliveries.
• Monitored social media and online sources for industry trends.
• Reviewed each store location’s buying trends to ascertain correct assortment of apparel for maximum sales and profits.
• Interacted with vendors, store managers and other stakeholders to maintain on-time deliveries.
• Inventory/stock control- working closely with planning to sure sufficient stock levels, times that stock is to enter the DC.
• Distribution management- making sure that purchase orders are linked to the correct DC and the time that stock is to arrive in the DC will correspond with the time the stock is needed in store.

• Content and Editing Design and Magazine layout development Marketing and PR Magazine directory sales Merchandise development, sales and tracking Social media profile management.
• Informed supervisors and company leaders on markets and regional sales needs to best meet customer needs and maximize revenue.
• Managed full-cycle marketing and advertising strategies including estimating costs, managing resource allocation and adjusting production schedules.
• Maximized advertising efforts by developing content for media relations, corporate communications and social media posts.
• Studied demographic data to determine optimal targets, competitor offerings and tactics for persuasion.
• Worked closely with all product development departments to create and maintain marketing materials for sales presentations and client meetings.
• Developed campaigns and specific marketing strategies for clients.
• Forecasted marketing trends based on previous data to adjust campaigns and maximize sales.
• Collaborated with product development team to effectively modernize and update promotions