Buyer (Footwear)

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Main Purpose

Seeking a seasoned Buyer to independently manage and grow the Footwear Department of this established national retailer. 

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse sales trends / history and formulate strategy, as well as provide input into Group strategy
• Research local and international markets and interpret trends 
• Procuring agreed ranges involving interdepartmental co-ordination
• Negotiating of cost prices resulting in value for money, selling price points and primary margins being achieved
• Implementing and maintaining quality standards regarding look and style of merchandise
• Adherence to critical path
• Growth and development of business
• Product development
• Range construction
• Assists with developing and coaching buyers’ assistants, trainees and assistant buyers

Key Competencies

• Relevant retail/ business qualifications (preferred)
• 5-8 years buying experience is essential
• Creativity, taste and flair: ensure that ranges are balanced and offer real choice 
• Passion for Product / Merchandise
• Negotiation and influencing skills
• Merchant and retail ability demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the market place, competitors and customer needs
• Business acumen
• Team Player: ability and will to work co-operatively with others within a team and across departments towards a common objective
• Results driven and proactive
• Entrepreneurial
• Effective communication and presentation skills
• Ability to present a well-balanced range
• Tolerance to change / ability to work under pressure
• Computer literate: ability to operate in a Windows-based environment