Position                  : Commercial – Buying Intern

Department            : Buying

Location                  : Cape Town

Band                       : Band A

Reporting to           : Specialist Buyer

Employee Type       : Fixed-Term Contract – 6 months

Your role at ARC:

As a Commercial – Buying Intern, you will provide support to the buying team, gaining exposure to various aspects of product procurement, market research, and supplier negotiations. This role is ideal for those seeking to develop skills in merchandising and procurement while contributing to business success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Performance Support:
• Assist in reviewing sales and stock reports, helping identify trends and insights.
• Support the preparation of financial and sales presentations for internal reviews.

• Assortment Listing and Maintenance

1. Data Maintenance and Management

• Listing new items (for either existing brands or new brands)
• Adding new variants to variant frameworks where needed, or creating new variant frameworks when needed
• Adding new brands to LS
• Adding new/existing items to the hierarchy for online
• Ensure accurate gridding for all innovation
• Ensure accurate allocation of item classification
• Request assets & master templates for all innovation and ensure timeous update of innovation asset library

2. Marketing Stock

• Manage stock allocated to ARC Marketing team and ensure stock is transferred between store locations/online and Marketing when needed.

• Product Portfolio and Assortment:
• Assist in managing product categories, helping to maintain balanced assortments.
• Support the team in researching consumer preferences and competitor strategies.

• Supplier Relationship Management:
• Participate in meetings with suppliers and assist with communications.
• Help with tracking supplier performance and delivery timelines.

• Market Intelligence:
• Conduct market research and support competitive analysis for the buying team.
• Assist in identifying emerging trends that align with business goals.

• Process Improvement:
• Support process improvement initiatives aimed at increasing buying efficiency.
• Assist with developing tracking tools for supplier performance and stock levels.

Competencies:

• Analytical Mindset
• Attention to Detail
• Communication Skills
• Adaptability
• Coping with pressure and setbacks
• Relationships and networking
• Commercial thinking
• Planning and organising
• Deciding and initiating action

Requirements / Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a Commerce Degree or related field degree
• Strong interest in buying, merchandising, or retail
• Basic analytical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Must be willing to learn, receive feedback, turn learnings into actions and take on new tasks