André Myburgh
Head Of Buying
Wädenswil
Summary
Accomplished and results-driven Global Brand Manager with a proven track record of successfully transforming brands to achieve exponential growth in sales and margins. Demonstrating expertise in fashion sourcing strategy, omni-channel merchandising, and technical execution across various luxury sectors including fashion, beauty, luxury interiors, children, luxury luggage & stationery, and premium sports. Passionate about innovation, consumer engagement, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. Ability to develop ROI-focused strategies, leverage data-driven insights, and create impactful influencer marketing and social media campaigns that consistently deliver outstanding results. Knowledgeable Brand Manager with strong background in procurement management, ensuring seamless supply chain operations and vendor relations. Led initiatives to streamline procurement processes and foster strategic partnerships, contributing to cost savings and efficiency. Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation and supplier performance management.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Head of Buying
Jelmoli
Zürich
02.2020 - Current
- Strategically developed and oversaw multi-label department store, eCommerce, and Click & Collect models
- Enhanced supplier relationships through regular communication, collaboration, and mutual goal-setting for long-term partnerships
- Led contract negotiation efforts for major suppliers, ensuring favorable terms that supported business requirements while mitigating risk exposure
- Evaluated emerging technologies to enhance procurement operations such as e-sourcing platforms or automation tools
- Optimized inventory levels by analyzing demand patterns, reducing stockouts, and minimizing carrying costs
- Defined merchandising concepts and consumer accessibility strategies, enhancing omni-channel success
- Optimized workflows to improve team performance and collaboration with internal and external partners
- Fostered unique brand partnerships to create in-store innovations and drive consumer engagement
- Leveraged strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills to align influencer marketing and social media efforts with overarching ROI-driven media strategies
- Demonstrated strong project management capabilities to ensure the successful execution of complex initiatives
- Analyzed data effectively to inform strategic decisions, optimize processes, and enhance overall performance
- Managed vendor relationships by providing guidance on pricing, product selection and technical specifications
- Created, monitored and adjusted supplier contracts to ensure compliance with company policies and regulations
- Collaborated with stakeholders across departments to assess the needs of the organization and develop appropriate procurement strategies.
- Assisted in developing budget forecasts based on anticipated expenditures related to purchasing activities
- Collaborated with senior management to develop long-term plans for meeting organizational objectives related to procurement
Brand Strategy Consultant
Self-Employed
Berlin
06.2013 - 01.2020
- Provided consulting services for tactical and strategic partnerships, business development, and product innovation
- Mentored emerging and established designers in market analysis, financial planning, and collaboration strategies
- Delivered expertise in demand and supply planning, procurement, and lifecycle management
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop innovative marketing campaigns that increased ROI by 20%
- Conducted market research, focus groups, surveys, interviews and other methods of data gathering to understand consumer behavior and preferences
- Identified key customer segments and created tailored messaging to target each segment
- Evaluated campaign effectiveness through qualitative and quantitative analysis and reported insights back to stakeholders
- Advised clients on best practices related to brand management and provided strategic direction on how they can improve their overall presence
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of projects in a timely manner
- Increased customer engagement by creating targeted brand messaging for various platforms.
- Implemented innovative promotional tactics to drive consumer interest and generate buzz around product launches.
Head of Global Brands
Wormland
Hannover/Berlin
10.2014 - 04.2016
- Led the strategic development of 14 multi-label stores, eCommerce, and Click & Collect operations
- Developed departmental objectives, budgets, policies, procedures, and strategies. Managed private brand development and expanded luxury menswear markets
- Achieved consistent results through demand planning, trend identification, and category management
- Managed and coordinated multiple projects while ensuring timely completion.
- Collaborated with departmental leaders to establish organizational goals, strategic plans and objectives.
- Committed to delivering excellent customer service while working in a fast-paced environment.
Senior Buyer
Fashionation, Peek & Cloppenburg
Düsseldorf
03.2010 - 05.2013
- Directed the vision and execution of the Fashionation concept, targeting new consumer segments
- Negotiated and integrated 60 premium brands across products and channels
- Implemented data-driven approaches to campaigns, shop executions, and account planning
- Evaluated vendors based on price, quality, service, delivery times, reliability, technical support, and sustainability practices
- Managed vendor relationships by providing supplier performance feedback and resolving disputes
- Advised management on market conditions, pricing trends, and product availability
- Monitored and analyzed sales records, trends and economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns, company sales, and needed inventory
- Collaborated with senior management to develop long-term plans for meeting organizational objectives related to procurement
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Clothing Design and Product Management
Durban University of Technology
Durban, South Africa 04.1980 - 01.1983
Skills
- Strategic management of multi-label stores, eCommerce, and Click & Collect models
Leadership in luxury fashion, beauty, interiors, children, luggage & premium sports departments
- Financial planning, sales forecasting, and demand planning
- Development of merchandising concepts and omni-channel consumer strategies
- Expertise in procurement, vendor relationships, and sourcing high-quality products
- Project management with a focus on ROI-driven media and influencer marketing strategies
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills for optimizing processes
- Mentoring and training cross-functional teams to achieve strategic objectives
Accomplishments
- Spearheaded the transformation of an in-house label at Peek & Cloppenburg into a successful standalone brand, significantly boosting net sales and consumer recognition
- Managed global buying calendars, ensuring seamless product availability while meeting cost, timing, and quality goals
- Oversaw a CHF 2000M sourcing strategy, identifying market trends and driving supplier innovation
- Reduced product development cycles from 6+ months to 60 days, aligning with fast-changing market demands
- Delivered successful in-store experiences and collaborations, increasing foot traffic and brand awareness
- Enabled openings in key cities with tailored product mixes, aligning global strategies with local market needs
- Implemented sustainable innovations across demand planning and supply chain operations
Additional Information
Passionate about trend research and fostering innovation in the fashion industry., Strong network within the luxury retail and lifestyle sectors.
Keyknowledgeareas
- Strategic and operational Retail Buying
- Omni-channel merchandising and consumer experience strategies
- Market research and trend analysis
- Team leadership and workforce development
- Innovation in supply chain and product lifecycle management
Certificationsandskills
Product Development, Strategy Management, Collaboration, Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office Suite, PLM tools, Contract Negotiation, Financial Planning, Campaign Management, German, English
Timeline
Head of Buying
Jelmoli
02.2020 - Current
Head of Global Brands
Wormland
10.2014 - 04.2016
Brand Strategy Consultant
Self-Employed
06.2013 - 01.2020
Senior Buyer
Fashionation, Peek & Cloppenburg
03.2010 - 05.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Clothing Design and Product Management
Durban University of Technology
04.1980 - 01.1983
Similar Profiles
Eva Keszthelyi MBAEva Keszthelyi MBA
Retail Project Manager at Jelmoli AG Luxury Department StoreRetail Project Manager at Jelmoli AG Luxury Department Store
Tina BaggenstosTina Baggenstos
Client Manager for Corporates: Client Front Office at UBS Switzerland AGClient Manager for Corporates: Client Front Office at UBS Switzerland AG
Preeti Molasi-GargattiPreeti Molasi-Gargatti
Executive Director, CRM, Product Owner at Asset, Management AGExecutive Director, CRM, Product Owner at Asset, Management AG