Buyer - Outdoors Apparel

As a branded and own brand business, we pride ourselves on having the best ranges, comprising of the latest and most exclusive products within our fascia’s. Our Buying team working closely with Merchandising, Product Development, Marketing and the Brands themselves, helping plan and make decisions on the seasonal ranges for our stores and online. They pride themselves on their product knowledge and commercial acumen.

Key Deliverables

• Meeting and exceeding sales and margin targets
• Maximise sell through
• Improved profitability
• Improved stock turn (along with merchandiser)
• Limit churn/sale/markdown (along with merchandiser)

Planning 

• Agree, plan and execute a strategy for my area (along with Head of Buying and Trading Manager) and present to B+M director in-line with Commercial Strategy
• Undertake seasonal reviews and analysis(with merchandiser) driving well informed commercial planning decisions
• Range is planned accurately to space and grading across all fascia andchannels, to maximise sell through and minimise markdown
• Understand consumer behaviours and product/brand preferences
• Understand brand positioning, strategies, product ranges and pricing
• Forecast future performance trends at category and line level
• Analyse promotional sales information to ensure compelling proposition for the following season
• Construct and present a seasonal sign off pack detailing how sales and margin targets will be met and exceeded (with merchandiser)
• Identify commercial opportunities to strengthen market share

Delivering

• Construct market leading ranges relevant to Customer and store demographic
• Attend seasonal selection meetings/relevant trade shows, and drive the agenda including relevant planning and pre-work
• Identify opportunities and feed into Exclusive Brand product development process
• Ensure selection and range planning process is completed within critical path time frame
• Build category, store and brand assortments in line with agreed plan
• Contribute to creation of seasonal ‘go to market’ strategies          
• Leverage brand strategies in store and on-line
• Secure funding from brands to deliver collaborative campaigns
• Drive promotional activity and secure necessary product / support from brands
• Contribute to in-store space & VM planning
• Contribute to definition of on-line presentation of the product assortment
• Drive sales and footfall through marketing opportunities and ensure customer communication is compelling
• Negotiate with suppliers to maximise profit contributions and other appropriate commercial terms including (but not limited to) returns, payment terms, marketing contributions and retro payments in line with overall business strategy
• Monitor and review Brand SLA’s in-line with agreed commercial terms
• Maintain excellent relationships with Suppliers whilst capitalising on all relevant opportunities                                                                                                            

Trading

• Review weekly trading performance against KPI’s- manage risks and maximise opportunities (with merchandiser)
• Suggest in-season price changes to Buying Manager helping drive sales and manage stock commitments
• Feed into trading meetings on a weekly basis(along with merchandiser and Head of Buying)
• Write a monthly report reviewing my area helping to shape future trading activity (along with merchandiser and Head of Buying)
• Drive trading activity to achieve planned sales and profit
• Identify and exploit short term opportunities to drive sales and footfall through the GO Outdoors monthly mailer
• Make regular store visits toreview performance & presentation

Leadership/Teamwork                                                                                                           

• Collaborative working approach across departments and Buying divisions
• Share best practice across the division and wider business
• Engage in cross-functional working
• Encourage feedback to both juniors and management
• Ensure direct reports have regular 1-2-1 sessions and clear learning and development plan
• ‘Can do’ attitude
• Learn from our mistakes and help it shape our future plans
• We strive for a ‘right first time’ approach in all we do
• We are all responsible for the culture of our office – if we don’t like something, we change it

Skills/Experience/Knowledge:

• Previous experience in a similar Buying role with an Outdoor or high street Retailer of branded product is essential.
• Previous experience within a role with financial responsibility.
• Numerate and articulate. and has an
• Strong understanding of Commercial strategy is essential.
• Previous managerial experience would be advantageous.