Primary Objective
* Optimise the profitability of a designated product area.
* Developing a commercial liaison across all interfaces with the Merchandising function within the business
Principal Accountabilities
Budget preparation
* Prepare seasonal buying plans through thorough analysis of historical data and understanding of future trends / activities.
* Set and agree core KPI’s with the Buyer in terms of sales, stock intake phasing, margin, stockturn, markdown and terminal stock etc.
Range planning
* Translate agreed KPI’s (as above) into a range framework in conjunction with the Buyer
* Working with the Buyer to develop commercial ranges within this framework
* Establish initial stock intake plans and stock covers within this framework
Selection / sign off
* Ensure final ranges as selected meets the targets outlined as above
* Jointly with the Buyer to deliver range within the critical path
Intake
* Plan and control the initial product intake phasing
* Plan and control mailer / event availability
Stock control
* Ensure product delivery is in line with the stock distribution strategy (e.g. sufficient outer cartons to meet allocation requirements)
* Facilitate stock delivery to plan through close liaison with Allocation / DC / Stores.
Trading / In season monitoring
* Maximise opportunities & minimise risks of the performance of the area by monitoring actual performance versus plan and taking remedial action as necessary.
* Maintain effective control of;
* Open to Buy management
* Intake, despatch, DC & Store stock levels
* Accurate forecasting of markdown spend
* Terminal stock forecasts
* Completion and maintenance of corporate core data / forecasting and statistical tools
Analysis / Data
* Provide ad hoc analysis in respect of all aspects of the above
* Maintain comprehensive data records for immediate and future analysis
Commercial Acumen
* Maintain a full and working knowledge of the product, supply chain, competitors and wider retail market to maximise the performance of the product area.
Liaison
* Close working relationship with Buying / QA teams.
* Regular contact with Allocation team / Distribution Centre.
* Regular store visits and liaison with all store focussed departments
* Develop close working relationships with all product related departments to encourage co-operation and achievement of the KPI’s.
Personal Attributes
* Commercial awareness (ideally of Poundstretcher’s product and customer profile)
* Self motivated
* Can cope with multiple tasks retaining high level of accuracy
* Able to find and extract data and develop a full understanding and awareness of business systems relative to fulfilling the role.
* Good communication and interpersonal skills
* Displays self confidence and initiative
* Demonstrates effective team working skills
* Hardworking and flexible attitude to work
* Tenacious
* Good numerical and analytical ability
* Takes a proactive approach to learning not reliant only upon company training opportunities