Bernadette Halfon

Career Synopsis and ObjectivesI offer more than 20 years’ experience within the Retail and Merchandise Industry, pursuing a challenging employment opportunity that promotes and encourages professional growth, development and leadership within a multi-dimensional, performance-oriented career as a Senior Buyer and then Merchandiser.

With solid experience in the industry, strong organizational, multi-tasking and time-management skills and an exemplary career at several leading organizations and establishments in South Africa, I know I possesses the required skills and knowledge to be a valuable asset to any organization and contribute meaningfully to the achievement of company objectives.

Cell: Email: Location:Driver’s License:Languages:

+27 83 651 2012bernietmac@hotmail.comKloof, KwaZulu Natal, South AfricaCode 08EnglishAfrikaans

Transferrable Skills and Core Values- Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.- Ability to effectively interact and negotiate successfully with all levels of

customers and management.- Goal-oriented, displaying a true passion to ensure the attainment of project goals.- Excellent planning and organizational skills with a strong attention to detail and

follow-up.- Driven to consistently deliver focused and high quality efforts in order to achieve

objectives.- Proven commitment to ensure service excellence and an exceptional customer

experience.- Strategic thinker with a dynamic approach to problem solving and strategy

formulation.- Ability to be flexible and work analytically in a problem-solving environment.- Strong supervisory, coaching and project management skills.- Courage to take risks when required and sense sales potentials of products.- I am diverse in terms product and responsibility, a buying position extends into a

wide range of skills as the job requires a creative and technical mind, I believe I have this.

Character Attributes- Strong negotiation and management ability- Able to work as part of a team or independently- Multi-tasking ability- Diligent and results-oriented- Assertive and integrity- Analytical approach and problem-solving ability- Self-confidence and energetic- Emotional intelligence and empathetic- Professionalism and confidence

Formal EducationSenior Certificate – Empangeni High School | South Africa (1987)

Computer Literacy- Microsoft Word- Microsoft Excel- Mr Price Redworld- Powerpoint

Professional Career History

Menswear/Boys Buyer – RDC – Style Clothing (Dec 2014 – November 2015)

The Gottlieb Group, Blue Diamond below, made a decision to

become a partner with Mr Price as an FOB supplier – this left merchandisers within the Group almost redundant. We travelled extensively to purchase ranges for both MrP and Miladys, this was no longer a requirement either. I am a buyer, it’s what I love to do and am passionate about product, so, the opportunity at RDC presented itself and I did not hesitate.

Under a new CEO changes were made within the company, I was the last to join, so the first to leave sadly.

I was responsible for 3 labels within this retailer –

DISSIDENTStreet wear – fashionable jeans, casual shirts, chinos, shorts, tees and golfers

AERON PIERCESmart – formal shirts, smart casual shirts, suits

VINCENZAFormal pants – 2 pleat & flat front formal pants

Responsibilities- Analyzing consumer buying patterns and predicting future trends- Regularly reviewing performance indicators – sales & discount levels- Managing plans with planners for stock levels and maintaining OTB- Reacting to changes in demand and logistics within the business- Meeting with suppliers and negotiating terms of orders- Maintaining relationships with existing suppliers and sourcing new ones for future product- working with other departments within the Group to ensure projects are completed- participating in promotional activities- writing reports and forecasting sales- presenting ranges to senior retails managers- building of new ranges for each season- training and mentoring junior staff

Senior Mens/Ladies/Boys/Grils Merchandiser Davinscot / Lucra Importer / The Gottlieb Group Durban South Africa (May 2009 to December 2014)

DAVINSCOT A large, well established manufacturer doing local production supplying to retailers for over 40 years. Specializing in wovens for – Woolworths / Truworths / Edcon Group

LUCRA Lucra was a small independent company 100% imported product supplying to Mr Price and TFG –

THE GOTTLIEB GROUP – BLUE DIAMONDA very large clothing group, Blue Diamond is a division within the Group. I worked here for 4 years supplying to Mr Price - all divisions, including the shoe division / PicknPay / Miladys

Responsibilities for all 3 suppliers :- Extensive travel for range building in SPAIN / USA / UK / AMSTERDAM- Extensive travel to China – liaising with factories / travelling with buyers to place programmes / securing production space and costs with many factories all over China- Accompanying buyers on visits to manufacturers in China to appreciate the production processes- Develop and make presentations of company product and services to above retailers- Responding to sales enquiries and concerns- Ensuring the best service at all times and maintaining good relationships with buyers- Monitoring and reporting on sales with management- Managing supplier relationship and distribution of stock- Close working relationship with buyers from inception of presentation of ranges to negotiation of price and delivery- Monitoring slow sellers with buyers and reacting to good sellers timeously- Identifying and resolving supply difficulties, taking full responsibility of the entire process- Maintaining and developing the customer base- All sourcing - Maintaining and building of sales data base- Managing and mentoring junior staff

Buyer Mr. Price Sport Head Office | Durban| South Africa (April 2004 to May 2009)

Responsible for the following buys - Active Mens Core, Mens Red Surf, Mens & Boys Statement Tees, Mens Rugby, Mens & Boys Cricket, Compression Gear, Mens Golf and all areas of boys wear.

Responsibilities- Creating purchasing and contract policies as well as purchasing procedures for

Company.- Developing specifications for products, equipment, and substitute materials.- Responsible for sourcing appropriate suppliers.- Analyzing the costs, quality and availability of products to determine what will be

the most beneficial for the Company.- Negotiating to finalize purchasing deals and contract terms with Suppliers.- Reviewing purchase order claims and contracts and ensuring that they comply

with company policies.- Responsible for detailed records of products ordered and received.- Research and analyzing the latest information about markets and delivery

systems to prepare better for future deals.- Planning product ranges and stock plans in conjunction with buyers.- Liaising with buyers, analysts, stores, suppliers and distributors.- Maintaining a comprehensive library of appropriate data. - Controlling stock levels based on forecasts for the season. - Analyzing every aspect of bestseller and ensuring that bestsellers reach their full

potential. - Resolves problems and issues arising from purchase of services and products

with internal and external Suppliers- Presenting ranges to management for review of forthcoming seasons – working

closely with planners to maintain and achieve OTB- Analyzing and presenting strat – including figures and analysis of ranges with

samples to management of previous seasons to better understand your buy and customer

ConclusionMy exposure and extensive experience in the retail industry is where my dedication and commitment to this industry lies.It is in my make-up, all aspects of retail, manufacturing, supplying and buying – I follow trends constantly, my scope and abilities is significant.