Our Client is currently going through a massive growth period with a large number of store openings yearly and growth in size by over 20% year on year. They are constantly on the lookout for bright ,ambitious and hardworking individuals to join their team
We are seeking an enthusiastic, resourceful, hardworking Buyer who will grow with the company and add value to our team. An exceptional eye for detail is necessary, as is the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships across all areas of the business.
What you’ll be doing
• Fully manage the Footwear Buying department including reviews of stock, sales, orders and forecasting.
• Understand and analyse reports and then make recommendations based on figures, common sense and experience, therefore must be incredibly numerate and analytical. Personally manage £40 million budget per annum, but this is continually growing.
• Range planning to maximize profits and provide a commercially viable range of merchandise at competitive prices.
• Regularly present seasonal range plans to the management team that reflects company goals and ambitions, in order to gain approval for the range.
• Source new and constantly re-evaluate, resource and review existing merchandise to ensure product remains as competitive as possible (wherever possible MW to be the cheapest on the high street).
• Select the type and quantity of product for the department given the budgeted OTB and place orders over 2 main seasons A/W and S/S. All orders to be signed off by Buying Director.
• Reports to be constructed and presented to senior management Keep up to date and are aware of market trends, react to changes in demand.
• Fully understand customer needs and demands (e.g. price, quality, availability).
• Manage a team of ABs and BAA.
• Managing the critical path, monitoring all orders from initial product development through to delivery, ensuring the smooth running of the development process, maintaining delivery schedules and key deadlines throughout
• Fit meetings making suggestions on fit, styling, trims etc., as well as signing off samples.
• Opportunity to travel to the Far East twice a year for supplier visits (Travel restrictions permitting).
We’d love to hear from candidates with:
• Relevant experience in a Buyer role within a retail chain or equivalent.
• Footwear experience beneficial
• Experience of fully managing the critical path for your department
• A commercial approach to business critical decisions
• Excellent awareness of competitors and help to try and keep MW the best value on the high street
• Confident approach to offer suggestions on the type and quantity of product for the department given the budgeted OTB
• Good interpersonal skills – able to build and manage relationships with colleagues and suppliers, communication is key at all times
• Strong IT skills most importantly in Excel or equivalent
• Commercial and keeps up to date and aware of market trends, changes in demand
• Ability to fully understand customer needs and demands (e.g. price, quality, availability)
• Strong time management skills and able to prioritize as this is a never-ending job and there will always be more to be done