POSITION OBJECTIVE
- Plan and select the range, type, quality and quantity of merchandise according to customer demand, trends, store policies and set prices and sell through targets in conjunction with the Brand Manager / GM to ensure they are in line with the budget
- Carry out buying activities in-line with the brand buying plans
- Maintain profitable relationships with existing suppliers and monitor the adherence to the contract terms
Key Responsibilities
Business Strategy :
Drive the seasonal strategies in line with the brand positioning to formulate Gross Margin PlanDevelop a fine tuned assortment and investment planCreate the sourcing development plan and action the critical path to deliver timelyNegotiate with new suppliers on product pricing, payment terms, cost of freight, provision of training, and the extent of their involvement in advertising and promotions, to decide on placing a purchase order with the supplier for the concerned productOTB PlanningManage OTB in tandem with the planning counterpart
Deliver the seasonal business strategy by monitoring and impacting the critical path, range building and product selectionPrepare and manage the buying calendarFormulate seasonal product focus plan with Marketing and VM to drive key product initiativesFocus on holding current business and build new categoriesConducting customer focus groups and competitive shoppingPerformance and Operations :
Analysis and reporting of weekly sales performance at style, range, category and business unit level against range plan. Take in season action to revise production flows and maximize salesManage TNA plansImplement the buying calendar for timely seasonal analysis and range buildPerform regular competitor surveys to identify product gaps, influence lessons learnt and range plansManage range and product hierarchy and create the seasonal phasing planResponsible for the ‘The Look’ for the season. Influence product selection, in-store VM as per guidelines and layout planningKeep abreast of market trends and awareness of competitor activitiesManage the product training of staff to ensure up-to-date knowledge. Prepare regular trends training and deliver to the business unitsReview buying feedback reports and provide recommendations to General Manager as to buying strategy for a respective brand / collection