Permanent Chief Executive Merchandise | PEP Vacancies
Job Description
PEP Vacancies – Chief Executive: Merchandise
Location: Western Cape
Company: PEP
Job Type: Permanent
Job Sector: Retail
Chief Executive: Merchandise at PEP
Description
At PEP, South Africa’s leading discount retailer, we are committed to delivering exceptional products at unbeatable prices while delighting our customers. This is a rare opportunity to join an exceptional team and shape the future of merchandise leadership. If you have a strong commercial and fashion-driven mindset, you can make a lasting impact in this key role.
Purpose of the Job
As the Chief Executive: Merchandise, you will play a critical role on PEP’s Executive leadership team (Exco), leading the entire merchandise function. You will drive the formulation and execution of PEP’s merchandise strategy, guide a high-performing team, and innovate across product categories, including Clothing, Footwear, and Home. Your leadership will extend to Trend, Sourcing, Quality, and Sustainability, shaping the lives of millions of South Africans and fueling PEP’s growth.
Key Responsibilities
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Merchandise Strategy & Execution: Develop and implement PEP’s merchandise strategy to achieve sales, gross profit, and business objectives, ensuring alignment with the company’s vision and customer focus.
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KPI Delivery: Drive key merchandise performance indicators, including sales, gross margin, stock turn, markdowns, and product availability.
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Merchandise Operations Oversight: Lead buying, product development, pricing, sourcing, quality, trend analysis, and sustainability initiatives.
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Market Relevance: Direct trend analysis, consumer insights, and range development to ensure affordability and market competitiveness.
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Sustainability Leadership: Spearhead PEP’s sustainability strategy across merchandise operations.
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Supplier Partnerships: Build strong local and international supplier relationships to ensure ethical sourcing, value, and supply reliability.
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Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with key business functions to enhance the end-to-end customer experience.
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Team Leadership & Development: Inspire and develop a high-performing merchandise team, fostering future leaders and driving excellence.
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Business Strategy Contribution: Contribute to PEP’s overall business strategy and represent merchandise at the Pepkor Group level as needed.
Requirements
- A relevant degree or qualification in Fashion, Textile Design, Clothing Production, Product Development, Merchandising, or a related field.
- Minimum 10 years of retail buying management experience, with 3-5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Proven experience in merchandise leadership, preferably within value retail.
- Strong understanding of the South African consumer, particularly in discount or mass-market segments.
- Exceptional financial, commercial, and business acumen with a track record of success.
- Ability to engage at Exco level with confidence, influence, and strategic insight.
- Deep knowledge of the PEP market segment and competitive landscape.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
- Strong analytical, trend-forecasting, and problem-solving abilities.
- Expertise in private label development, sourcing, and supplier negotiations.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, high-volume retail environment.
- A purpose-driven leader aligned with PEP’s mission to serve with heart.
- High self-awareness and emotional maturity.
Competencies: Organisational sensitivity, Strategic insight, Innovation, Decision-making, Team leadership, Communication.
Work Level: Senior
Employment Type: Permanent
Salary: Market Related
EE Position: No
Location: Western Cape
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How to Apply
To apply for this position, click the “Apply Now” button or follow the specific instructions provided in the job description. Ensure that your CV and supporting documents are up to date and relevant to the position.
Please note: This job posting may be closed at any time by the employer, either due to internal recruitment policies, legal requirements, or once a suitable candidate has been found. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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