Lunga Khuzwayo

Experience

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  Edcon

  Jan 2006 - Dec 2016

  Ensuring a well-balanced assortment and desirable product range at the right price, at the right place, at the right time. A marketing strategy aligned to the customer’s desired aspirations in order to achieve sales budgets, targets, Input Markup and gross profit; to effect appropriate stock turn levels and increase market share; to ensure balanced stock and product assortment in stores. Business performance analysis; managing of key performance indicators Local travel to supplier premises for briefings  Budgets and spend management  Cost price negotiations Competitor analysis Order raising and management Do follow ups and reports on business performance Product range development Supplier management Planning and execution of marketing activities Trend research and analysis Sample management Show less I am a dedicated and committed individual who is seeking growth. I have diploma in Fashion Design from Durban University of Technology. My duties cover business analysis, range builds, product development, order management, competitor analysis, travel, sample management, cost negotiations, supplier relationship management, quick response model management, marketing activities. As an Associate Buyer my role demands that I work hand in hand with the Specialist Buyer and Planner in order to realise the department's objectives on a daily basis. I am currently responsible for a Do It Yourself department in the Edcon's Discount Division. Show less I am a dedicated and committed individual who is seeking growth. As a 2005 ND Fashion Design graduate from Durban University of Technology with experience in visual merchandising and considerable ability in pattern, garment technology, Theory of Fashion, strong interest in design, drawing and trend research methodology. My duties cover business analysis, range builds, product development, order management, competitor analysis, travel, sample management, cost negotiations, supplier relationship management, quick response model management, marketing activities. As an Associate Buyer my role demands that I work hand in hand with the Specialist Buyer and Planner in order to realise the department's objectives on a daily basis. I am currently responsible for a local brand called Jonathan D as well as testing new brands for the menswear division. Show less In my position as Associate Sourcing Manager I worked closely with my manager and there was great opportunities to grow as most of my managers worked half-day hours leaving me to handle everything else for the rest of the day. I have performed the following daily tasks as an Associate Sourcing Manager:• Business Performance Analysis• Budgets and Spend Management• Negotiations• Costing Scenario Tool Management• Garment Costing• Business Travel• Total Cost of Ownership • Competitor Analysis• Supplier Sourcing/Tender Process• Order Raising and Management• Critical Path Tool Management• Payment Method/Terms Facilitation (local and international suppliers)• Product Range Development• Supplier Management • Marketing Promotion Activities Planning and Execution• Trend Research and Analysis• Sample Management Show less Working closely in a supportive role to the Specialist Buyer as well as the Specialist Planner. Also responsibilities which allowed me some indipendence in this position. Here customer service and creativity merge in a fast paced and challenging environment with equal reward. I am a dedicated and committed individual who is seeking growth. As a 2005 ND Fashion Design graduate from Durban University of Technology with experience in visual merchandising and considerable ability in pattern, garment technology, Theory of Fashion, strong interest in design, drawing and trend research methodology. My duties cover business analysis, range builds, product development, order management, competitor analysis, sample management, cost negotiations, supplier relationship management, quick response model management, marketing activities. As an Associate Buyer my role demands that I work hand in hand with the Specialist Buyer and Planner in order to realise the department's objectives on a daily basis. Show less

  • Assistant Buyer Edgars Active Branded Apparel

    Sept 2015 - Dec 2016

  • Junior Buyer for Jetmart DIY

    Dec 2014 - Sept 2015

  • Associate Buyer

    Oct 2011 - Dec 2014

  • Associate Sourcing Manager

    Apr 2009 - Sept 2011

  • Associate Buyer

    Jan 2006 - Apr 2009
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  JOHN CRAIG

  Dec 2016 - Jan 2022

  BUYER FORMALWEAR, SMALLS & ACCESSORIES

  Ensuring a well-balanced assortment and desirable product range at the right price. Leveraging marketing which is aligned to our customer’s desired aspirations in order to achieve margin and profit targets, to effect appropriate stock turn levels and increase market share; to ensure balanced stock and product assortment in stores. Actively influencing, driving & executing purchasing strategy Business performance analysis; managing of key performance indicators Traveling for trends Research  Budgets and spend management  Cost price negotiations Competitor analysis Do follow ups and reports on business performance Product range development Supplier management Planning and execution of marketing activities Show less

• 

  Fashion Fusion SA

  Jul 2021 - Jun 2022

  Buyer

  • Formulate business strategy to achieve KPI targets.• Negotiate required cost prices to achieve target margins.• Conduct detailed weekly analyses on business performance• Monitor product performance indicators at chain and individual level and take action to increase profitability • Using available systems, extract and analyze historical sales data so that previous successes are identified and translated into a new range in the quality, styling and colours which the customer appreciates.• Use trend research data to compile range plan sheets and building assortments for seasonal buying plan. • Co-ordinate range plans with merchandise assortment plans to achieve a balanced assortment for the forthcoming season• Conduct comparative shopping in order to be able to build a range which is competitive in the market.• Give order briefing records to suppliers for reference and also to admin assistant to raise orders.• Implement Promotions. Follow-up on promotional merchandise and products, as well as deliveries of products and samples with suppliers. • Monitor supplier performance and cross-check original samples when compiling fabric and color cards to verify that final product matches original specifications Show less

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  POLO South Africa

  Jun 2022 - now

  Retail Buyer