Retail Buyer

Our Client is looking for a Retail buyer to join their team. Responsibilties: - Designing and generating weekly and monthly statistical forecast reports - Continuously improving forecasting techniques, method, and approach - Relating and measuring the impact of forecast accuracy - Conduct current and future forecasting analysis, insuring forecasting processes and methods are followed. - Assemble and analyze all data pertinent to creating the sales forecast (historical sales, market trends, seasonality and promotions). - Sales performance of all Company Owned retail stores (Color Café Levy & EPM, and Outlet Store) - Buying assortment Analysis and range planning - Newness, Promotions and Novelties Management - Discontinuation and SKU rationalization Management - Margin, Pricing, Currency and Gross Profit percentage Management - Development of Buying Plan - Stock Inputs, receipts and forecast management - Stock turns target achievement - Stock cover - Redundancy Management - Establish and utilize best methods (statistical models and software tools) in creating forecasts and respective inventory targets. - Make recommended adjustments to forecast and inventory targets based on changes in demand and market trends. - Lead forecast and inventory planning meetings with General Manager reviewing recommended sales forecasts and inventory goals (emphasis on brand transitions, new - product introduction, and promotions). - Prepare, report, and communicate forecast and inventory measurements to management(forecast accuracy, inventory plan vs. targets). - Monitor SKU levels and recommend SKU rationalization initiatives in the future - Ensure attainment of financial goals for sales, inventory, maximizing profitability while giving customers best value options in the relevant categories - Development of supplier base to support merchandise strategy - Negotiation with supplier in terms of cost of product, payment terms, quality, packaging and deliveries - Maintain good supplier relationships - Monitor competition to ensure best merchandise offering and pricing - Development of seasonal offerings and merchandise programmes - Understand current trends and opportunities and use this knowledge to develop the categories - Update master file with all relevant product information as well as product copy - Liaise with warehouse teams to ensure products are received and quality controlled - Liaise with digital and IT team to ensure product information is loaded onto the backend - Drive product results through merchandise management including product promotions, upsell & cross sell opportunities, online and print presentations, marketing and search. - Regularly review and analyze supplier/category/product results, communicating findings to management & recommending reloads, template revisions, merchandising standards, product additions and price changes - Consistently driving high levels of operational excellence across the stores - To promote a customer care approach within the retail business, investigating complaints or issues of poor customer care, both timely and efficiently. - To take responsibility for personal and professional development. - To develop, implement, review and monitoring the retail operating plan and budget. - To ensure all stores are efficiently and effectively managed, visiting them regularly, and monitoring their compliance with policy, procedure and standards. Key Skills: - Team Player - Excellent interpersonal skills - High attention to detail - Excellent relationship building skills - Self-motivated - High initiative - Leadership skills - Motivational - Problem solving skills - Assertive - High energy levels - Proactive Qualifications: - Related Diploma or Degree - Minimum 7 to 8 years retail experience. - With a minimum of 3 years in leading & managing retail sales teams - Luxury brand experience - Product Management - Must be aware of promotion and act proactively in terms of stock control - Familiar with merchandising guidelines - Strong commercial acumen combined with good marketing skills. - Role requires frequent domestic and occasional international travel - Multinational experience - Experience gained within a matrix management reporting structure - MS Office - Typically, role follows normal working hours, however, at times there will be requirements to work on week-ends. - Accordingly, a flexible approach is required.