Key Responsibilities
•Working with the senior buying and product development team to create exciting new product ranges.
•Management of sub-categories. Will be responsible for the successful launch of regular seasonal newness and the ongoing development of existing products.
•Alongside the design team, writing new product briefs to submit to suppliers.
•Be able to analyse quotes and update costing sheets accurately to submit to the senior buying team for sign off.
•Confidently negotiate pricing with suppliers in line with company margin requirements.
•Developing new and existing strong supplier relationships.
•Critical path management, ensuring all key dates are strictly adhered to.
•Sample management, including tracking, unpacking/packing and sending out samples when required.
•Working with suppliers to ensure all samples are present for range selection and photography dates in line with critical path.
•Resolving day-to-day queries, collating and submitting sample and pricing feedback.
•Assist product selection meetings at senior and director level.
•Create new SKUs and POs on internal systems, ensuring all information is complete, updated and 100% accurate.
•Liaise closely with the design team and assist on writing packaging specifications.
•Trend analysis, identifying market and product opportunities, working with the senior team to incorporate these in range reviews to optimise financial performance and enhance product ranges.
•Attending UK & Overseas trade shows, and regular buying trips to suppliers across the Far East.
Skills:
•Strong Microsoft Office skills including Excel and Outlook.
•Keen attention to detail and accuracy.
•Strong verbal and written communication and negotiation skills.
•Ability to coordinate several projects simultaneously.
•Capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment.
•Methodical, analytical and organised.
•Previous experience within a product development or buying team preferred.
•Understanding of critical paths and seasonal range development.
•Trend aware and insightful of competitor activity