Dis-Chem Pharmacies’ Head Office in Midrand has an opportunity available for a Category Assistant to join the procurement team within the Beauty and Cosmetics environment. The main purpose of this role is to play an integral role in collaborating with all levels of procurement, as well as participation in the sales and customer category planning. The primary accountability is to deliver the right product at the right place and at the right time while effectively managing Dis-Chem’s recommended action plans to maintain store in-stock benchmarks.Minimum Requirements…Essential:Grade 12 / Matric with Mathematics and AccountingMinimum 1 – 2 years’ experience in Customer Service/Planning/Business Analysis within Retail / Beauty or CosmeticsAdvantageous:Diploma/Degree in Supply Chain2 – 3 years’ experience in a similar roleJob Specification…Stock Management:Assist in the replenishment of orders through Foresting and Replenishment processes and systems.Monitor weekly stock holding in the Distribution Centre or supplier deliveries and maintain required day of supply as set out with management.Oversee inventory and suggest transfers to prevent overstock issues and balance network inventoryMaintain daily stock cover in line with the group or buyer requirements.Ensure promotional planning of stock.Resolve inbound order issues, returns and supplier recalls.Assist and coordinate category marketing processesSales & Inventory Level MonitoringConduct weekly business analysis, ensure proper inventory level by consistently reviewing days stock cover, sell through and trend.Ensure frequent updating of parameter to replenishment systemRoll out new replenishment products, suggest opportunities for expansion as well as reduction of non-performing products.Take pro-active measures to minimise out of stocks.Analyse store and warehouse flows to predict potential out of stocks and determine the best actions needed to remedy to optimize availability and maximise inventory efficiency.Analyse past and current business trends and provide recommendations in order to improve opportunities; gain alignment on recommendations and implement findings.Promotions and Analysis:Identify issues and maximize data availability (SAP, BI) to make recommendations that will benefit both our stores and DC (Distribution Centres).Monitor and control promotion ordering.Track promotions by analysing promotion post-mortems and formulate recommendation to improve processes for the next activity.Conduct Independent analysis of all key metrics and relevant business inputs.Stakeholder Liaison:Ensure to communicate with all suppliers on all issues as they appear.Ensure optimal communication with suppliers.Communicate and coordinate between Marketing, Sales, Customer Service and Operations during shortfalls.Engage in team meetings to communicate on company initiatives status and execution.Collaborate with internal supply planning team on future inventory needs.General Administration:Manage and attend to HEAT calls as they come in on a daily basis.Maintain units of measure and master data that affects ordering and F&R.Check supplier in fill rates weekly.Adhere to all company and business unit deadlinesMaintain absolute confidentiality covering all company informationCompetenciesEssential:Knowledge of implementation of policies and proceduresFinds solutions to potential issues as well as knowing when to escalate the problem and what level to escalate it to.Conveys ideas and facts verbally using language. Grasps the meaning of information written in EnglishBuilds constructive working relationships characterised by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect.Recognises the need for procedures and follows relevant procedures.Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work and achieves results with little oversight. Sticks to commitments.Computer skills – Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.Special conditions of employment:South African citizenMay require to travelMIE, clear criminal and creditDriver’s license and/or own reliable transportRemuneration and benefits:Market related salaryMedical aidProvident fundStaff accountONLY SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED. IF YOU HAVEN`T BEEN CONTACTED WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION AS UNSUCCESSFUL. Chem Pharmacies is an equal opportunity employer. Dis-Chem’s approved Employment Equity Plan and targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process aligned to Dis-Chem’s Employment Equity & Transformation Strategy. Dis-Chem actively supports the recruitment of People with Disabilities.#J-18808-Ljbffr