Objective
This position is responsible for ensuring effective brand positioning through strategic product selection that aligns with the target customer profile, while achieving gross margin goals and maintaining a healthy sell-through rate of 60% or higher.
Key Responsibilities
Product Range:
Support the development of brand strategies by understanding customer profiles and market positioning
Plan category assortments based on historical performance, market trends, and future potential
Establish seasonal purchase strategies in collaboration with the planning team, using data-driven insights
Grade stores by format and country to differentiate product mixes for high-end and value-driven locations
Develop procurement strategies for seasonal sales, grounded in product performance history
Create pricing plans using perceptual pricing and market benchmarking
Coordinate direct procurement with brand principals
Order Management
Raise purchase orders in line with the buying plan to ensure on-time deliveries per SLAs
Monitor in-transit inventory to ensure smooth supply chain movement from supplier to warehouse
Vendor Management
Establish and sustain long-term relationships with suppliers to ensure fair deals.
Ensure on-time delivery of products and adhere to compliance with the contracts of purchase.
Store Management
Visit stores to ensure proper store display of product categories and to understand performing and non-performing goods
Visit competitor stores to understand bench marking, and for inspiration
Maintain weeks of cover, monitor stock levels, and plan purchases within budget
Coach the store staff to gather product feedback and customer feedback on basic and key offerings ensuring growth and development
Competition Knowledge
Stay up-to-date with local and global markets, as well as industry trends
Be aware of competing brands and products’ activities
Key KPIs
Quantitative KPI
Gross margin target
Sell through target
Exclusive and NOS Business
Week of cover for particular category
Stock Ageing and Stock Turn
Trend/Buy presentation
Product training
Qualitative KPI
Understand market trend
Able to grasp business requirement
Influence brand to customize requirement
Desired Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Fashion, Retail Management, or a related field from a recognized institute.
4–8 years of relevant retail buying experience.
Proficient in MS Excel and PowerPoint.
Strong understanding of product strategy, vendor management, assortment planning, and trend analysis.
Knowledge of market research, data analysis, and forecasting techniques.