RESPONSIBILITIES:

Planning

• Sound understanding of the Business Strategy and how that impacts your Department

• Applying knowledge of the current competitive market place and trends, and inputting into the direction of the department

• Solid understanding of the Department’s current Customer insights, Market Share and opportunities

• Working in conjunction with Marketing and Ecommerce, supporting with Windows and Photo Shoots

• Assisting in Department Strategy Planning preparation

Buying

• Assist the Product Development process from Design brief to launch, liaising with Design, Marketing and other relevant departments

• Negotiating the best cost price to achieve departmental margin targets

• Understanding product trends and interpreting them where relevant into product areas

• Ensuring input to the Assortment Planning tool and other data / system management, in a timely manner

• Understanding the appropriate sourcing route and Supplier for Product

• Monitoring Critical Path on Commitment to insure intake and distribution targets are met

• Attending Fit sessions in the Buyers absence give styling Comments

Suppliers

• Managing Supplier relationships and KPI’s, including monitoring sampling requirements in line with projected levels of business

• Negotiating and liaising with Suppliers

Trading

• Understanding of reports and actions that may need to be taken on Trade

• Managing the critical path, making adaptations (where required) to react to market changes and challenges

• Sharing of information where possible on Product, Suppliers, Best /Worst Sellers within the business area

Product Awareness

• Monitor, maintain and action competitor analysis (comparative shopping)

Team 

• Supporting with the development of fellow colleagues, delivering relevant training and support where required

• Collaboratively working with Merchandising, Design and Technical colleagues

• Acting as a positive role model for the Team and peers

ABOUT YOU:

• Customer knowledge and a strong fashion eye

• Good interpersonal / communication skills

• Ability to support, train and develop the Buying Admin Assistant

• Ability to initiate, build and maintain relationships with Design, Merchandising, QA and Suppliers

• The capability to perform under pressure and work in a fast paced environment

• Solid presentation skills

• Risk assessment and SWOT analysis skills

• Numerical and analytical skills

• Communicate effectively with all internal and external teams

• Previous experience as a Buying Admin Assistant / Assistant Buyer within a major retailer / department within New Look

• Fashion Qualification / Other degree desirable