Determine buying requirements and formulate buying plan and budget for the assigned department/category · Align the buying plan to the overall department/category business plan and the merchandize strategy as laid down by the department/ category manager · Help meet the profit targets by ensuring timely procurement of the department/category Merchandise · Pursue cost reduction measures through centralized bulk buying and/ or selecting appropriate vendor mix, scanning the environment for benchmarks and constantly improving the purchase process · Develop an adequate vendor base for the concept through active scouting and negotiation / renegotiation · Build and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers and negotiate the best deals with the