Job
Description
Buyer will be responsible for curating a competitive and innovative product range, mapping market competition, negotiating costs and delivery schedules with vendors, ensuring timely deliveries, maintaining buysheets, managing inventory, overseeing pre-production (PP) and fit approvals, ensuring all products meet quality standards, and managing promotions and markdowns. The Apparel Buyer will also collaborate with Marketing and Design teams to develop visual merchandising promotions aligned with themes and product launches. This role is crucial for achieving both top-line and bottom-line targets. Key Responsibilities: Product/ Range Curation: Curate a diverse and appealing range of apparel products based on market trends, customer preferences, and seasonal demands. Analyse sales data and market feedback to make informed decisions on product selection with best seller management. Range build is the primary responsibility of the buyer Competition Mapping: Conduct regular market research to monitor and analyse competitor activities, pricing strategies, and product offerings. Identify gaps and opportunities in the market to ensure a competitive edge. Vendor Management: Establish and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers. Negotiate favourable terms for pricing, quality, and delivery schedules. Ensure vendors comply with company standards and policies. Cost and Delivery Management: Negotiate and finalize costs to achieve the best possible margins while maintaining product quality. Monitor and ensure adherence to delivery schedules to meet inventory requirements. Address and resolve any issues related to delays or discrepancies in deliveries. Buysheet Maintenance: Maintain accurate and up-to-date buysheets to track orders, costs, delivery schedules, and product details. Ensure all relevant information is correctly recorded and accessible for reporting and decision-making. Pre-Production (PP) and Fit Approvals: Oversee the pre-production and fit approval process to ensure all products meet the company's quality and design standards. Coordinate with design, production, and quality teams to address any issues and make necessary adjustments. Inventory Management: Monitor and manage inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability. Implement trade strategies to improve inventory turnover and minimize obsolescence. Quality Standards and Process Adherence: Ensure all products meet the company’s quality standards and specifications. Implement and follow established processes and protocols for product development, sourcing, and procurement. Promotions and Markdowns Management: Plan and manage markdowns to optimize inventory levels and maximize profitability. Collaborate with the marketing and sales teams to ensure effective execution of promotions and markdowns. Visual Merchandising: Work closely with Marketing and Design teams to develop visual merchandising promotions in line with themes and product launches. Ensure that visual merchandising aligns with brand standards and enhances the customer shopping experience. Coordinate store displays and layouts to effectively showcase products and promotions. Actively work with marketing team for strategy and product promotions Trade Management: Collaborate with the planning and operation teams to develop effective trade strategies and promotions. Monitor and analyse sales performance to adjust buying strategies accordingly. Ensure optimal stock levels to maximize sales opportunities and minimize excess inventory. Financial Targets: Contribute to the achievement of both top-line (sales) and bottom-line (profit) targets. Regularly review financial performance and take corrective actions to address any variances. Prepare and present reports on sales performance, inventory status, and market trends to senior management. Qualifications: Graduate/Diploma in design/apparel merchandising, NIFT (GMT/FD/Textile /KDT/D&D), Pearl academy (IFTP) Key Competencies: Market Awareness: Understanding of current market trends and customer preferences. Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement effective buying strategies. Relationship Building: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and internal teams. Problem-Solving: Capable of addressing and resolving issues efficiently and effectively. Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial principles and the ability to manage budgets and financial targets. Quality Focus: Commitment to ensuring all products meet the highest quality standards. Promotional Insight: Ability to develop and manage effective promotional and markdown strategies. Visual Merchandising: Expertise in developing and implementing visual merchandising strategies. Show more Show less
