Patricia Francis

As a buyer for Mr Price Home, one of South Africa's largest and most loved and competitive retailers, I am accountable for a portfolio of R250 million annually as well as the training, development and well-being of my team and suppliers, which has allowed me to exercise both the business and psychology sides of my degree; I am constantly analyzing current trade and strategically reacting to the current and forward order book whilst fostering and maintaining my relationships with the various internal and external stakeholders.I have experience in hards products including a wide range of fabrications. My specialty is working directly with factories on product development, MOQs, packaging and quality of hard fabrications.My other core strengths include stock flow management, price architecture, added product value and negotiations, specifically MOQ negotiations and cost negotiation based on fluctuating exchange rates.In 2017 I was promoted to our International division with the responsibility of launching and managing Mr Price Home internationally (including Africa). As this was a new position to the business, part of my function was to implement and standardize processes for the international team. The skills required for this role are excellent verbal and written communication skills, organization, self starter, confidence, customer centric and a passion for homeware.