Head Buyer - Fashion Retail

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Being constantly aware of new brands and opportunities to diversify and drive department/category sales
• Representing the Buying function on relevant fascia and category (TBC)
• Negotiation with brands re distribution agreements
• Attending all appointments, with involvement in the selection and editing of product
• Attending all relevant trade shows
• Negotiate with selected brands re trading terms and conditions.
• Budget negotiation and planning within internal teams and external brands
• Attending all product launches throughout the year as specified
• Analysis and review of previous week's sales with the merchandising department to propose and drive actions for the week ahead
• Proposals to assist in driving sales
• Preparation and presentation of performance in trade meetings
• Working independently in a creative and trend-led environment
• Managing budgets and OTB on in seasons and forward budgets

Core Competencies:

• Confidence in own decisions and product selection. Comfortable in driving decisions on file and being accountable for all actions.
• Highly numerate and skilled in budget forecasting and planning
• Extensive knowledge of product area and market
• Ability to look forward and predict trends both current and future
• Extensive knowledge of our store base and website
• Ability to act independently

Skills/Experience/Knowledge needed:

• Be able to exercise a high degree of analytical and numerical skills
• Organizational skills are essential
• Experience of buying Fashion is advantageous
• Fully literate in Microsoft Office: PowerPoint, Word, Excel
• A creative and trend-led individual
• Strong understanding and knowledge of current and upcoming sports fashion trends at a high street and premium level price point.
• Experience of buying branded goods is essential
• Be able to work under own initiative