Key accountabilities and measures

• To work with Merchandising and all other relevant areas of the business to aggressively trade the product area and hit / exceed Buying targets
• To demonstrate a clear understanding of M&S’ customer, ensuring the segments and demographics needs are understood and put at the heart of the product offer developed
• To work with Design to interpret and adapt to market trends and direction, ensuring that the conceptual global range developed is differentiating and targeted to the needs of the customer
• To analyse historical sales in line with trends and design direction to manage product mix parameters including price architecture, colour balance, shape and margin to deliver a highly commercial and balanced range
• To work in collaboration with Sourcing Offices globally to develop appropriate supply routes enabling the Department to react to trade, as well as negotiating the best prices and lead times with supplier to achieve the gross margin buying target
• To provide leadership and direction to junior members of the Buying team as well as Sourcing Office product merchandisers creating a global team culture
• To co-ordinate and support the development of product Tech Packs, working with Design, Technology and Sourcing Offices to achieve better hit rates and taking accountability to ensure Tech Packs are delivered complete and on time to minimise sampling lead times
• To take accountability for managing the departmental critical path, providing guidance and direction to junior members of the Buying team as well as other participants in the buying and global product development process
• To present the global range for sign-off and effectively manage systemic elements of the buying process, taking accountability for the timely completion of relevant systemic approvals and processes
• To demonstrate good knowledge of the Departmental finished goods and materials supply base and support processes to ensure M&S’ scale and buying power is fully leveraged
• Drive department strategy giving consideration to wider BU, C&H and Int C&H strategy
• Assist the International team to maximise M&S departmental sales during International Buying events

Key skills

• Technical Knowledge and proven track record of developing and trading highly commercial ranges that exceed sales / profit targets
• At least 3-5 years buying experience with a major retailer
• Ability to initiate and build strong relationships with Design, Merchandising and Technology and Global Sourcing Offices where used
• In-depth knowledge of cost price negotiations and global sourcing and ability to collaborate with colleagues in Global Sourcing Offices (where used) to develop the supply base
• To develop and build a comprehensive product range including packaging which satisfies all customers’ future requirements
• Understanding and delivery of the concepts of brand strategy
• An in-depth knowledge of the current competitive market place
• Good understanding of global retail market place with the ability to identify relevant product trends
• Basic understanding of Merchandise Planning
• Ability to understand M&S Buying systems End to End and manage systems accountabilities for the Department
• Critical Path Management
• Strong knowledge of materials used and understanding of material supply base, as well as external market conditions including key economic, political and social shifts
• Highly organised approach and commitment to closing and completing tasks
• Strong communication and influencing skills with a 3D approach
• A digital and global mind-set that supports the growth of international and online business

Key relationships and stakeholders

• Head of Buying
• Buyer
• Assistant Buyers and Junior Buying peer group
• Technical
• Sourcing Offices
• Buying Administrators
• Merchandising
• Design

Secondary relationships and stakeholders

• Ecom
• Press
• Marketing
• Packaging
• International
• Retail