Woolworths Vacancies

To apply, click on the link at the end of the posts and all the best with your applications.

1. TECHNOLOGIST: BAKING & PANTRY
2. BUYER – HPPC SHOPPER BAGS, COOLERS AND MEDIA
3. SOURCING SPECIALIST – FASHION
4. ORACLE APPLICATIONS DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR
5. PREPARED BUYER: FOOD FOR NOW – TAKE AWAYS, HOT PIES AND SUSHI
6. SENIOR PLANNER
7. SOURCING & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

TECHNOLOGIST: BAKING & PANTRY

Introduction

To ensure the production of safe, innovative and excellent product at a competitive price for the Woolworths customer

Job description

• Support the development of a customer-focused Technical strategy to support the WW Foods Strategy
• Lead and support the Groceries Team with the implementation of the category management plans
• Brand integrity, product safety and risk mitigation
• Ensure delivery of technically and commercially viable range of products that meets the needs of the Woolworths’ customer
• Operational excellence through the development of the technical guidelines, policies, and standards
• Communicate and manage all technical objectives and priorities to respective teams and key stakeholders
• Support the implementation of effective Food Safety & Quality protocols to ensure compliance to product specifications, Woolworths’ policies, Brand Integrity Plan and guidelines, industry standards and regulations
• Manage adherence to Woolworths’ Technical requirements and Good Business Journey (GBJ) across all products
• Manage and monitor technical function in order to meet Technical operating plan
• Product and process audits, including the formulation of specifications
• Quality monitoring and reporting
• Provide input into category, technical and supplier strategies, and implementation of technical aspects thereof
• Packaging development, with respect to legislation, nutritional aspects and shelf life

Minimum requirements

• B Tech. in Food Technology or  BSc Food Science
• Minimum 7 years relevant experience, long-life shelf stable product experience would be advantageous.
• Ability to work across a wide array of industries and large amount of suppliers
• Experience within the Retail environment would be advantageous
• Knowledge of technical processes and principles (incl. Safety and Legislation, eg. HACCP, GMP, Supply Chain, TACCP)
• Proven track record of relevant industry experience / knowledge on ambient thermal processing would be advantageous
• Technical product knowledge (including characteristics, raw material sourcing / manufacturing processes and quality / safety parameters) within ambient shelf stable products
• Knowledge of packaging functionality and application
• Ability to apply a project management approach for the delivery of key projects
• Ability to identify problems and implement effective solutions in collaborations with supplier base
• Well-versed in relevant legislation ability to play an influencing role.
• Team player with ability to work effectively with a diverse group of people
• Assertive communication skills and confident
• Quality / high standard mindset
• Innovation / continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, pressurised environment
• Developed sensory skills
• Business acumen, judgment and problem solving ability
• Strategic development and planning skills
• Project management skills
• Networking and influencing skills
• Assertive communication and conflict handling skills
• Pro-active, innovative and entrepreneurial
• Flexible with ability and willingness to travel
• Ability to work productively in a stressful environment​

BUYER – HPPC SHOPPER BAGS, COOLERS AND MEDIA

Introduction

Responsible for the execution of the Shopper Bags, Bottles and Cooler bags and Media strategy. Co-ordinates the delivery of the category strategy to deliver sustainable profitable growth and operational excellence.

Job description

• Develop and execute category strategy to ensure delivery of operational excellence
• Support the co-ordination of the matrix team in order to deliver the category strategy.
• Analyse and interpret market and sales data to develop tactical plans to drive the desired outcome
• Formulate category plans with suppliers
• Monitor and interpret industry and international trends (doing both local and international benchmarking)
• Deliver against operational excellence and KPIs for the department
• Focuses on medium term sustainable market share growth
• Ensures the delivery of sustainable growth for category level.
• Co-ordinates matrix team to effectively deliver KPIs
• Facilitate team direction and pace to effectively deliver KPIs
• Assist team in navigating through obstacles
• Mentor and support the development of Buyers Assistants
• Share category strategy with stakeholders and get their buy in
• Conducts continuous review of supplier performance against plan and course correct based on variables/changes
• Monitors and ensures adherence to ethical compliance
• Manage financial indicators
• Liaise with marketing, sales management, space planning & trade planning to effectively drive the growth of the category
• Ability to actively review factors influencing trade ie; market share, local & international trends, economic climate, competitor activity & changes to customer shopping habits, and translate into strategy.

Minimum requirements

• B Tertiary diploma/degree
• Minimum 3-5 years Buying/Retail experience
• Commercial skills & experience within the Nonfoods Industry (Household, Pet ,Media and Personal Care)– knowledge of store operations, customer profiles, locations & competitors.
• An understanding of Manufacturing and Production planning within a private label supplier would be advantageous.
• Proven experience in managing a Foods/FMCG department
• Proven sourcing and supplier management experience.
• Strong negotiation and financial management skills
• Proactive & Innovative with a continuous improvement mindset
• Has an intimate understanding of who the customer is and the ability to view the world through their eyes
• Strong understanding of global & seasonal trends
• Consistently makes logical deductions from given information and uses these to transform the department
• Is able to consistently convey information clearly and confidently when interacting with teams
• Consistently drives the creation and development of products, services, and experiences that are convenient and innovative for our customers
• Consistently anticipates potential obstacles and identifies project risks that may impact the accomplishment of project deadlines and delivery and escalates these risks where appropriate
• Has knowledge of appropriate retail department systems and related processes across the value chain to manage objectives and enhance their ability to solve problems
• Manages supplier delivery against the business standards and values and maximises value and reduce risks through identification and resolution of limitations/shortcomings

SOURCING SPECIALIST – FASHION

Introduction

Contribute towards the development of Sourcing and Supplier Strategy. Identify appropriate factories/suppliers/regions and manage the sourcing of product options aligned to the sourcing and product strategies.

Job description

Contribute to the development of the Sourcing and Supplier Strategy​

·       Analyse and review Supplier performance scorecards (quality, OTIF, innovation and sustainability)​

·       Review trends on Supplier delivery to financial KPI’s​

·       Identify opportunities for new Suppliers to close Supplier gaps / risks​.

·       Consolidate inputs from Heads of Planning, Buying and Design on Product Category Strategy​

·       Identify Suppliers that meet the Business Innovation and Sustainability targets​.

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Conduct Supplier Engagement, Communication and Performance Management​

·       Lead end-to-end Supplier onboarding, engagement, and communication processes​.

·       Create and issue requests for samples (only for Concept and Development Samples before costs are confirmed, and for In-Season Trade / Trend Updates) ​

·       Mitigate any issues that may arise on the request and receipt of physical samples​.

·       Conduct Supplier Performance conversations, identify performance issues and implement corrective actions​.

·       Evaluate Supplier compliance with sustainability and ethics standards​.

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Conduct Costing and Supplier Negotiation​

·       Conduct product costings based on Tech Pack inputs from Technical Product Development​

·       Ensure an in-dept understanding of the Product aesthetic and technical requirements​.

·       Manage Requests for Quote​

·       Conduct Supplier negotiations to ensure the achievement of required financial KPIs – partner up with Buying on new Product Concepts / Volume Inputs / Inputs​

·       Finalise cost, obtain approval on quotes and handover Formula / Development Style with Preferred Quote to Buying​

Perform Capacity Planning and Management throughout the Season​

·       Consolidate the required inputs from Planning​.

·       Perform Capacity Planning and ensure that volume flows and drops are successfully communicated with Suppliers​.

·       Continuously engage with Suppliers, track shipment and ensure that adjustments and updates are executed on during trade​.

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 Manage Strategy Execution and Issue Resolution​

·       Implement and manage Seasonal Trading Plans in conjunction with Planning and Buying, and work with Suppliers to revise and update production plans​.

·       Monitor Supplier Strategy Execution, identify deviations from strategy, address issues with Supplier, Planning and Buying Teams ​

·       Oversee order management and product tracking, promptly communicating changes or delays to Group Planning and Buying Teams to achieve On-Time-In-Full (OTIF) targets​.

·       Participate in relevant Trade Meetings to gain insights into trading actions that need to be executed​.

Minimum requirements

·       8 years or more Buying/Sourcing/Technical retail experience in a Clothing environment and/or

·       Relevant business degree / diploma in Textiles, Fashion, Clothing product management

·       Understanding of the International and South African clothing industry.

·       Proven experience in Supplier negotiations

·       Ability to travel both locally and internationally.

·       Supplier Management & Understanding of Imports and Supply Chain Logistics

·       Production Management

·       Negotiation Skills

·       Commercial Acumen

·       Order/contract management

·       Project Management (running multiple seasons, priorities, WMC, Critical Path)

·       Customer Centric ​

·       Analytical​

·       Data Driven Decision Making​

·       Results Orientated ​

·       Judgement & Decision Making ​

·       Cross Functional Collaboration ​

·       Strong Communication

·       Highly Numerate & Analytical

ORACLE APPLICATIONS DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR

(12 Months) Oracle Financials (EBS)

Introduction

Oversee the administration, management and support of the Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) application, along with associated technologies such as Oracle databases, middleware, and other relevant applications. The role involves ensuring that the applications and databases run smoothly, and issues are resolved in a timely manner.

Job description

• Ensure effective Stakeholder Management to reduce risk

o   Communicate progress, status, events, planned activities and issues to all relevant parties.

o   Communicate technical decisions, discoveries, practices, processes, knowledge and information.

• Deliver New Technologies in support of business strategic objectives

o   Conduct the necessary research and development to deliver innovative solutions in line with both IT and Business strategies.

o   Test new technologies derived from approved business cases and manage implementation where appropriate, i.e. Software.

o   Understand and keep abreast of the Woolworths IT technical infrastructure by using the appropriate internal sources of information.

• Maintain Technologies to enable to operational stability

o   Ensure that sustainability and impact of the administration of technical solutions are understood and taken into account when technical solutions are proposed.

o   Ensure correct protocols, tools and middleware solutions are correctly used.

o   Perform the administration of technical solutions according to the agreed plans and processes and propose continuous enhancements to these processes where applicable.

o   Ensure set standards implemented and adhered in support of a healthy and stable environment.

o   Maintain and analyze internal records of problem causes and resolutions, identify recurring problems and modify the resolution actions to prevent recurrence.

• Provide thought leadership to ensure best delivery of industry practice

o   Ensure that team members, management and other staff members working in related areas of technical concern are informed on all relevant technical decisions, discoveries, practices, processes, knowledge and information for effective delivery.

o   Provide input into ITS technical direction decisions in the area of expertise.

• Deliver Solutions and Support Complex and Diverse technologies and Platforms

o   Be a subject matter expert of multiple technologies and platforms.

o   Investigate and remediate complex problems directly and indirectly linked to your area of responsibility.

o   Build solutions according to the solution definitions and ensure that solutions are not designed and built in isolation.

• Manage tasks within a team to ensure effective and quality delivery

o   Keep Track of tasks and identify risks and challenges that could compromise delivery.

o   Be an ambassador of the team and be capable of playing the role of liaison between customer and other IT teams.

Minimum requirements

• 3-year IT qualification
• 5-8 years overall relevant experience working in an Oracle EBS Apps Database Administration role – 3 years of current Oracle EBS Apps DBA (preferably R12.2), and five or more as Oracle core DBA.

·       Relevant certifications such as Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) are a plus.

ADDITIONAL CRITERIA

·       Hands-on Implementation and Support experience in:

o   Application Administration

o   Database Administration

o   Patching and Upgrading

o   Cloning

o   Performance Tuning

o   Backup & Recovery

o   Monitoring database and system alerts (including OACORE, APACHE)

o   Production Support

o   Workflow and notifications

• Experience with setting up EBS with Oracle Access Manager OAM/OID to achieve Single Sign-On (SSO) Capabilities
• Good experience in Oracle WebLogic Server Administration
• Good understanding of the EBS stack

·       Proficiency in Unix/Linux operating systems.

• Ability to develop SQL and PL/SQL scripts
• Implement and maintain database security (create and maintain users and roles, assign privileges)

·       Logging of good quality SRs with Oracle Support, being able to ensure viable solutions are forthcoming or able to find workarounds

·       Assist and support with Audit & Compliance queries

·       Develop and maintain documentation related to system configurations, processes, and procedures.

·       Participate in the planning and execution of disaster recovery and business continuity strategies.

·       Stay updated on emerging technologies and trends in Oracle Applications and recommend improvements or optimizations as needed

·       Provide technical support and guidance to end-users and stakeholders as required

·       Coordinate with cross-functional teams to implement system upgrades, patches and enhancement.

·       Collaborate with developers, DBAs, and other IT teams to resolve technical issues and implement best practices.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, and the ability to effectively communicate with technical and non-technical audiences

PREPARED BUYER: FOOD FOR NOW – TAKE AWAYS, HOT PIES AND SUSHI

Introduction

To develop a category strategy based on the considerations of trade, customer, market and trends. The Buyer will need to lead the category team in order to achieve the category objectives of profit, excellent quality, availability, innovation, Trusted Price and market share growth.

Job description

·       Create profitable, sustainable category strategies.

·       Ability to actively review factors influencing trade i.e., market share, local & international trends, economic climate, competitor activity &  changes to customer shopping              habits, and translate this into strategy.

·       Effectively and collaboratively lead the matrix team.

·       Effectively manage the supplier base and drive mutually beneficial partnerships.

·       Develop and implement pricing and promotional strategies.

·       Drive E2E value chain initiatives to effectively manage product/range costs.

·       Manage financial indicators and all expenses.

·       Manage the end-to-end product development process milestones, timelines, category reviews and include key stakeholders at each point.

·       Align commercial framework with planning & forecasting for category/ranges/products.

·       Work with marketing, sales management, space planning & trade planning to effectively drive the growth of the category.

Minimum requirements

·       Relevant commercial degree or diploma.

·       Commercial skills & experience within a retail, FMCG environment.

·       Knowledge of store operations, customer profiles, locations & competitors.

·       Minimum of 5 years commercial/buying experience.

·       Proven ability to co-ordinate and deliver the category operating plan.

·       Proven sourcing and supplier management experience.

·       Strong negotiation and financial management skills.

·       Proactive & innovative with a continuous improvement mindset.

·       Proven leadership & people management skills.

·       Proven ability to deliver the category financial indicators.

·       Strong customer and retail orientation – sound business acumen; commercial awareness; good judgment; emotional resilience.

·       Team player with understanding of diversity.

·       Good communication skills, both written and verbal.

·       Entrepreneurial – ability to initiate and co-create innovative and viable business plans.

·       Knowledge and understanding of Supply Chain concepts, processes, and systems.

SENIOR PLANNER

Introduction

Develop and deliver integrated department merchandise planning strategies to meet KPI’s and manage inventory efficiently. Deliver impact and value, balance quality with speed, shape the future with technology and insight driven decision making and action.

Job description

Develop and Execute Merchandise Financial Plan

·       Collaborate with cross functional teams to compile and develop a departmental strategy in line with Group strategy.

·       Develop merchandise plan to anticipate seasonal differences in demand and minimise various risks.

·      Develop and present seasonal department budget and merchandise financial plans, including OTB strategy, channel strategy, range and price architecture, promotional and clearance plan, and assortment plans to leadership for sign off.

·       Consider all group inputs, including strategic initiatives, key operational metrics, and post seasonal analysis.

·       Analyse historical sales data, market trends, and customer demand to inform MFP.

·       Manage the release of OTB (Open-to-Buy) to ensure alignment of sales and stock KPI’s.

·       Review & revise department financial plan monthly in line with trading ensuring delivery of all KPI’s.

Develop and execute Assortment Plan

·       Partner with Buying to provide a balanced assortment and option plan based on thorough post-seasonal analysis, strategy, space and application of trends.

·       Partner with Buying to develop and present the price architecture and provide guidance on the appropriate number of price points per category.

·       Conduct product review and present final volumes and established flow of newness over time.

·       Review and ensure grade assortment can be executed given available space & customer insights reports.

·       Ensure a disciplined application of the attribute framework in the assortment plan.

Develop and Execute Optimised Inventory Management

·       Manage stock commitments, reporting and targets at all levels and ensure effective management of intake and flow of stock, warehouse utilisation & processes.

·       Proactively identify opportunities to review inventory against plan and propose amendments in line with KPI delivery. 

·       Share planning forecast and range plan with Sourcing Specialists to inform high-level and detailed capacity plan across Groups.

Leveraging insights

·       Pre-season engagement with Central Planning Analysts to review and refine analytics (APS, Profiles & Sales Profiler).

·       Analyse customer feedback, sales data, and market trends to make data-driven decisions and better inform future product demand.

·       Manage planning admin in all applicable systems in line with the requirements of the Woolworths merchandise cycle.

·       As a team, conduct competitive shopping and store visits and share findings to Leadership and broader team.

·       Participate in weekly trade meetings to discuss business performance with appropriate action focus.

·       Participate in company initiatives as appropriate.

·       Conduct seasonal sizing profile reviews with Store Planner.

People Management

·       Provide direction, coaching and mentorship to any trainee and junior planner.

·       Support training and adoption of new ways of working including planning systems and processes.

·       Build strong networks and strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Minimum requirements

·       Preferably a relevant business diploma / degree (Retail business management/BCom/Clothing management/BScience) or relevant work experience

·       Extensive Retail knowledge

·       Knowledge of Retail, Supply Chain and Logistics processes

·       4 -5 years’ experience in Fashion retail industry, including time as a Planner.

·       2-3 people management experience. Coaching skills, ability to manage self, Planner 1, and Store Planner.

·       Retail Systems: Familiar with retail planning and merchandising software, like Assort, PLM, JDA

·       Intermediate Excel to analyse and manipulate large datasets to present complex information in clear and concise manner.

·       Retail Math, proficiency in retail calculations. 

SOURCING & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Introduction

Support the sourcing specialists with all administration aligned to the procurement of product, distribution of samples, order management and tracking the product critical path. Build strong relationships with suppliers and key stakeholders to ensure on time delivery of product.

Job description

Support Sourcing Specialist with Supplier Management and Sourcing Administration
• Compile Supplier Roll-Up and construct Supplier Scorecards
• Calculate landed costs on PLM
• Consolidate volume flows and drops
• Support with Supplier capacity and production plans
• Assist new Suppliers through the onboarding process
• Respond to Supplier queries in a timely manner to foster effective communication
• Update PLM information at in time with the required level of detail

Conduct Physical Sample Management
• Coordinate the inflow and outflow of physical samples in line with Technical Product Development requirements, and update electronic receipt in PLM. 
• Receive and return physical samples and Lab Dips / Print Strike-Offs to either Buyers or Suppliers as needed

Support the costing and negotiation processes, and conduct quote administration of approved costs
• Update quotes
• Recalculate quotes
• Create Supplier Requests
• Add Quote to Supplier Request and issue Supplier Requests

Conduct Order Management, Product and Shipment Tracking to ensure OTIF delivery
•Raise PO’s / Contracts and amendments in line with the Critical Path and publish to suppliers
• Conduct order management and product tracking and enable in season trading.
• Track on time AQL submissions, packing lists/declared shipment quantities and cargo bookings
• Raise any issues / delays and liaise with relevant stakeholders (Planning, Buying, Design, Supply Chain and Processing Warehouse) to ensure OTIF delivery.

Coordinate with Supply Chain
• Ensure that all development, pre-production, and production samples are approved for quality control.
• Co-ordinate reticketing and sample requests with supply chain and warehouse

Collate Data, Analyse and Report
• Conduct ongoing data collation, assessment, and analysis as input to sourcing decision making and Supplier Relationship Management
• Provide input into Supplier Performance Reviews
• Provide relevant reports and updates to the Sourcing Specialist as required.

Minimum requirements

•Relevant tertiary qualification in Clothing retail/manufacturing.

•3-5 years or more relevant experience in manufacturing and/or retail.
•Understanding of Imports and Supply Chain Logistics 

•6months fixed term contract. 

Click here to apply

All the best with your applications.