Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
Develop and execute sales strategies to achieve revenue targets
Monitor and analyze sales performance to identify opportunities for improvement
Conduct frequent brand review meetings either on a monthly, quarterly or seasonal basis
Builds and buys the most relevant range for the target customer
Full ownership of weekly trade within own department, including replenishment, stock swaps, RTS, etc
Completes and supports all facets of contract negotiations with new potential brands/ suppliers
Demonstrates an understanding of new fashion and retail trends, and how these can affect the trading climate, regularly reads market research data and spots new business opportunities
Conducts regular competitor analysis to assess ranges, identify opportunity and direction for brand exclusives, gain ideas for on-line layout and content, brand acquisition opportunities, sales impacting initiatives, etc
Identifies promotional/ marketing opportunities for the business in order to motivate further sales and provides a competitive and exciting retail environment for the customer
Conducts in-season and end of season SWOT analysis leading to strategy reviews which is able to succinctly be presented to senior management
Manages brand performance including intake margin, trading margin, sell through, stock turn, delivery, etc

A minimum of 2-3 years working in retail environment with a focus on shoes/sports buying and merchandising.
Strong Retail, E-commerce, Buying and Merchandising exposure
Experience of the buying cycle and associated processes and experience in planning and management of seasonal timelines
Highly analytical with a passion for excel and numeracy.
Proven experience of data, reporting and analysis
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with brands and internal departments
Attention to detail and high commitment to accuracy
Pro-active, driven and determined to achieve results in a fast paced working environment.
Critical well-rounded thinking of full picture, pros and cons; strong problem solving skill

Fashion/Retail Buyer – Shoes/Sports

Key skills