Here at Bonmarche we have a fantastic opportunity for a Buyer to join dynamic Buying based in the Wakefield Head Office.
If you would like to be part of a forward-thinking business and want a role where you will hit the ground running, we would love to hear from you.
Role purpose:
To implement the sourcing and buying strategy for a given range of product, owning and supporting the delivery of agreed target KPI’s. Working in partnership with merchandiser to plan and balance the range.
Main Areas of Accountability
· Manage the buying team ensuring targets are identified and met
· Ensure the supply base has the capability to meet requirements
· Negotiate with suppliers for best price whilst maintaining product integrity and standards in production
· Understand and contribute towards brand and product handwriting
· Ensure that agreed levels of good, better and best product are bought
· Review competitor activity and ensure customer / competitor benchmarking completed
· Understand profit and intake margin strategy focussing on achieved NAM
· Continually drive newness and initiative, maximising sales and minimising risk
· Challenge and manage underperformance where necessary
· Work with technologist to take joint responsibility for fit and quality
· Regularly visit stores and work closely with retail and VM colleagues
· Work with suppliers and supplier design resource to develop new product opportunities
· Secure dates for product sign-off at appropriate points in the season
· Oversee the critical path management for the department
Additional Accountabilities
· Assist in driving marketing and trading activity via Press & POS
· Work with the HR team to ensure that the teams are developed to the required skill levels
· Develop a broader business interest to support and work with the Buying and Merchandising Teams
· Cascade strategic objectives to the wider teams
· Work alongside the rest of the buying team to ensure that agreed looks and colour palettes are developed and delivered with consistency
· Develop and share best practice across the buying floor
· Ensure that communication of issues and developments to the Buying Director is timely, consistent and in the appropriate format
· Undertaking additional project work when required
· Ensure that key events are planned, monitored and delivered e.g. Windows, Tables, Collection launches, POS, Catalogue and Mailer, TV Shopping
· Growth of online and multichannel product offer through internet exclusives
Measures of Success
· Deliver a profitable range in a timely manner
· Develop a range which works visually alongside other products to agreed guidelines
· Build and motivate a professional and respected team
· Work within budget to increase sales whilst reducing markdown
Person Specification
· Strong commercial awareness and minimum of 2 years at Buyer Level
· Tangible knowledge of putting together a profitable range
· Effective communicator, presenter and team player
· Ability to adopt a flexible approach when required and to think swiftly
· Relevant technical experience for a given product range
· Experience of working with suppliers on a landed and direct basis
· Far East travel and factory-based negotiations essential