Assistant Buyer

Position Objective

This role involves supporting category planning, vendor coordination, and overseeing inventory to help meet gross margin targets and sustain a sell-through rate above 60%.

Core Responsibilities

• Assist in shaping brand strategies through analyzing target customer segments and market positioning.
• Support category planning by evaluating performance metrics, emerging trends, and sales opportunities.
• Contribute to formulating seasonal purchase strategies using data and reports from planning and merchandising teams.
• Participate in grading stores to align product assortments across different store profiles such as premium versus value-oriented outlets.
• Assist in developing procurement approaches for seasonal sales based on historical product outcomes.
• Facilitate pricing decisions by conducting competitive benchmarking and gathering market intelligence.
• Coordinate with principals and suppliers for purchasing activities under buyer supervision.
• Manage procurement orders ensuring timely delivery according to service level agreements and purchasing plans.
• Track inventory in transit to guarantee smooth stock transfer from suppliers to warehouses.
• Support maintaining robust supplier relationships to secure timely, cost-efficient, and compliant deliveries.
• Monitor supplier performance, delivery schedules, and contract compliance through regular follow-ups.
• Conduct store visits to observe product displays and collect insights on product performance.
• Visit competitor stores to benchmark and gather trend inspiration.
• Monitor stock levels and weeks of coverage, raising alerts when inventory adjustments are necessary.
• Collaborate with store personnel to capture customer feedback on preferences and product effectiveness.
• Keep abreast of fashion trends and evolving consumer preferences regionally and globally.
• Track competitor activities, product assortments, and pricing policies to inform buying decisions.

Candidate Profile and Desired Experience

• At least 2 years of retail or merchandising experience, ideally within fashion or lifestyle brands.
• Competent in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and basic ERP applications.
• Knowledgeable in product strategy, vendor management, range planning, and analyzing trends.
• Skilled in market research, interpreting sales data, and forecasting.
• Holds a bachelor's degree in Fashion, Retail Management, or related discipline from an accredited institution.