Warren Kernick

Senior retail buying and category leader with 14 years' experience building product assortments and leading commercial strategy across high-volume retail environments. Managed portfolios exceeding R500m annually, delivering consistent growth across both established and newly launched brand categories.

Experience includes extensive supplier engagement, cost negotiation, and product sourcing across complex retail supply chains, with a strong focus on commercial outcomes and product quality. ICF Level 2 accredited Integral Coach bringing a human-centred approach to leadership, team development, and performance.

Background in Fine Art informs approach to product, contributing strong sensitivity to design, aesthetic, and brand storytelling. Open to full-time, interim, contract, or project-based opportunities.

Senior Buying Manager at Truworths International (2024-02 – 2025-02)

Senior buying and category leadership role managing commercial strategy and product vision

• Led full spectrum category strategy, from forecasting and range planning to supplier negotiation and trade adaptation, for portfolios exceeding R500m annually
• Achieved sustained year-on-year growth in both a young performing ladieswear lifestyle brand and a new value-brand concept during challenging market conditions
• Built and coached buying teams of 6–10, contributing to professional growth, capability development, and organisational alignment
• Partnered with planners, designers, operations and HR to ensure coordinated execution and performance outcomes

Buying Manager at Truworths International (2022-02 – 2024-02)

Mid-level buying management role with responsibility for category strategy and commercial execution

• Led full spectrum category strategy, from forecasting and range planning to supplier negotiation and trade adaptation, for portfolios exceeding R500m annually
• Achieved sustained year-on-year growth in both a young performing ladieswear lifestyle brand and a new value-brand concept during challenging market conditions
• Built and coached buying teams of 6–10, contributing to professional growth, capability development, and organisational alignment
• Partnered with planners, designers, operations and HR to ensure coordinated execution and performance outcomes

Buying Roles & Progression at Truworths International (2011-02 – 2022-02)

Progressive roles in buying function, building expertise in category management and commercial strategy

• Led full spectrum category strategy, from forecasting and range planning to supplier negotiation and trade adaptation, for portfolios exceeding R500m annually
• Achieved sustained year-on-year growth in both a young performing ladieswear lifestyle brand and a new value-brand concept during challenging market conditions
• Built and coached buying teams of 6–10, contributing to professional growth, capability development, and organisational alignment
• Partnered with planners, designers, operations and HR to ensure coordinated execution and performance outcomes

Integral Coaching Certification (ICF l2) - Integral Africa Institute (2205-2026)

Bachelor of Fine Art (4-Year Hons Equivalent) in Fine Art – Rhodes University (2007-01 – 2011-12)

Matric Exemption – St Andrews' High School (2001-01 – 2006-12)