About Matalan From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever-evolving here.
We know as a team, we are stronger together we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth.
We want give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please dont hesitate to let us know.
In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.
Benefits In addition to competitive salaries, we also offer the below core benefits:
20% staff discount, which increases with length of service
Thrive Recognition Scheme
Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust
Life Assurance
Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers
Pension Scheme
Access to a wide range of career development
Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business
About You Experienced within a Trainee or Assistant Buying role, preferably within fashion retail
Knowledge of key trends and market
Commercially aware
Ability to work independently to tight deadlines
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate at all levels
Experience of development and coaching is essential.
About the Role As an Assistant Buyer, youll work closely with the Buyer to ensure the department achieves sales, stock and margin targets through the development of the product range, building and maintaining strong working relationships with the supplier base.
Strategy
Work alongside the Buyer to provide defined reports that will support creation of strategy
For a defined product range, undertake market and trend research and analysis to create a strategy proposal.
Have an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the Divisional and overall Matalan strategy
Range Development for defined product range
Work alongside Buyer & Merchandising team to develop shape of the range ensuring alignment with the overall departmental strategy & KPIs
Work alongside Buyer and Designer to interpret the trends and develop commercial ranges within the agreed strategy framework
Pro-actively bring insight and ideas to support development of wider range
Present specific ranges in a relevant and impactful way ensuring correct samples are used and all product delivers the agreed margins with support from the Buyer.
Ensure pricing is well benchmarked and in line with company strategy
Have full knowledge and understanding of the keyline process
Trading
Using Monday Trading Reports be able to read and analyse Trade.
Work with the TAB to ensure data and samples are pulled for Trade meetings on time.
Highlight Best & Worst to the buyer alongside newness, problem lines and identifying opportunities alongside creation of a supporting commentary done as part of weekly Trade and at sign off.
For department, have knowledge of keylines, NOOS lines and event lines
Work alongside the Merchandising team to ensure the critical path is followed and tracked, flagging any issues or opportunities to the Buyer
Conduct regular shopping and benchmarking trips highlighting opportunities, price architecture and VM principles
Following the correct procedure, ensure regular store visits are conducted. Gather relevant feedback to report back to the team.
Suppliers
Pro-actively build and maintain positive and professional working relationships with key suppliers
Ensure communication with suppliers is relevant, regular and clear
Divisional Support
Ensure preparation for selections, sign offs and supplier meetings is accurate, organised and completed to a high standard
Clear understanding of Marketing protocol and needs
Clear understanding of packaging requirements for defined range
Deputise for the buyer as and when required.
Build and maintain good relationships with the TAB population, acting as a role model and providing support / mentorship as needed
Understand and as required, be able to facilitate the running of fit sessions
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