Manager - Buying (Fashion)

Role & responsibilities

Operations

• Maintains operations by initiating, coordinating and enforcing purchasing operational policies and procedures manual.

• Implement and maintain retail operational policies and procedures to incorporate a purchasing plan, cost control, audit compliance and people management.

• Contributes to future development at strategic and operational level.

• Plans, identifies, communicates and delegates key responsibilities and practices to the purchasing team to ensure smooth flow of purchasing operations.

• Establish and main effective communications between various departments within the Company and suppliers.

Sales

• Develops sales order forecasts to achieve sales, margins and agreed stock levels.

• Drive operational purchasing improvements through analysis and support.

• Propose measures to improve operational performance.

Reporting

• Develop purchasing reports to give feedback to retail and senior management to drive the business and improve purchasing operations.

• Prepare reports on the businesses Key Performance Indicators as per the company standard. Staff

• Ensures purchasing operations requirements are fulfilled to include scheduling, assigning employees, follow up on work results.

• Commercial communication to all concern department/s.

• Develop the purchasing staff and support areas to optimize sales and profits.

• Create and develop a coaching culture as well as promoting an environment that promotes diversity.
• Lead the team to deliver a profitable business.

• Ensure staff have a high level of customer awareness and product knowledge.

Merchandise

• In conjunction with Head Buyer, formulates pricing policies by reviewing merchandise activities, determining additional sales promotion, proposing stock clearance, and studying trends.

• Market merchandise by studying advertising, sales promotions, display plans, analysing operating and financial statements for profitability ratios.

• Ensuring range and stock levels are consistent with business requirements. Financial

• Achieve financial objectives by preparing budgets, scheduling expenditure, analysing variances and initiating corrective actions.

• Maximise sales and profitability for the company.

• Set monthly targets, monthly and annual budgets.

• Update forecast results.

Customers

• Identifies current and future requirements by regular visits to the airport retail stores to establishing rapport with potential and actual customers and other persons in a position to understand service requirements.

• Take account of customers needs and shopping habits and competitor activity by regular visits to domestic retail stores.

• Use a range of internal and external information data to initiate business changes and create a customer focused culture.

Marketing

• In conjunction with other Business Units in the region and suppliers formulates and agrees the yearly supplier/brand Promotional Calendars.

• Provides help and support to suppliers to organise promotional/marketing events.

• In conjunction with the retail department, review the implementation and success of supplier promotional activities.
• Undertake market research to identify market trends, new product options and evaluate local and international competitors.
• Works closely with the Marketing Manager to create quality marketing communications for the airport stores.

Logistics

• Customs clearance
  • Import documentation
  • Shipment tracker
  • Freight forwarding
  • Supply Chain Knowledge Maintains a professional and technical knowledge by attending exhibitions, workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, participating in professional groups.

Experience required.

• Minimum of 8-12 years of progressively responsible Retail Management (Buying) experience

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• Currently Manager/Deputy Manager of multi-million turnover business.

Competencies

• Customer service focused.

• Passion for working in a fast moving and competitive retail environment.

• Sharp negotiation skills

• Leadership skills

• Diplomacy

• Creative problem solving

• Team builder

• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels both to partners, customers and colleagues

• Respond quickly, positively and with integrity in a fast paced and changing environment.