09/07/2019
**** Head of Buying-Fashion Retail (Grayville DURBAN) ****
Salary: Market related
Email CV to [email protected]
The Head of Retail Buying is responsible for providing buying direction to the company business
(+ - 45 stores), working closely with the individual brands to deliver on set strategic and financial targets, while ensuring a smooth flow of product and delivering strong brand stories to the end consumer.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Responsible for product performance and buying process for All Retail stores. Sign off on final Retail buys for the country.
• Accountable for development of Retail Buying Process. Ensure compliance of all buying processes and procedures and recommend improvements when required. Approve exceptions to business rules in line with corporate guidelines. Escalate as needed to the relevant superiors.
• Work closely with the Retail Planning function on seasonal product quantification. Oversee and approve inventory positions. Recommend promotions, markdowns and liquidation when needed.
• Work closely with Product Managers in guiding the assortment needs for Retail. Consolidate roll-up of product needs in Retail and ensure that such needs are communicated clearly to the relevant Product Managers in full detail.
• Follow product delivery into stores, subsidize cancelations through PM’s & review product performance through Product & Planning Managers with Weekly/Monthly/EOS feedback to Head of Retail & Group GM.
• Maintain close relationships with the Retail Ops, HO Snr Management Group and support departments to ensure a high level of day-to-day customer service and prompt resolution of product-related issues.
• Ensure that global product and marketing initiatives are adopted and implemented in stores through Visual instore Merchandising team.
• Own specific projects and business decisions to improve retail performance, service and relationships
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/SKILLS/EDUCATION:
• 10 years of retail buying & merchandising experience, ideally from an international multi-brand environment selling apparel, footwear or accessories in the sports, outdoor, lifestyle or fashion industry. (5 years as a Senior Buyer)
• Solid understanding of fashion trends and product as well as extensive retail management experience is essential
• Minimum 2 years of people-management experience, with the ability to set and deliver on objectives through other people
• Strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills. Positive attitude with the ability to switch between strategic, tactical and operational tasks when required
• Organized with strong numerical, analytical, problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities. Able to work independently and to perform under tight deadlines while keeping attention to detail.
• Solid computer knowledge, proficient with Microsoft Office suite (ex. Excel, Powerpoint)
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills required, other European language(s) would be an asset