Assistant Buyer

Overview

This position focuses on supporting category planning, vendor coordination, and inventory oversight to help meet gross margin objectives and ensure a sell-through rate of at least 60%.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in shaping brand strategies through research on target markets and positioning.
• Support category planning by analyzing performance trends and sales potential.
• Contribute to seasonal purchasing strategies using reports and historical data from planning and merchandising teams.
• Participate in grading stores to align product assortments for different store categories like premium or value-based outlets.
• Help develop procurement strategies based on past product performance during seasonal sales.
• Support pricing decisions through competitive analysis and market intelligence gathering.
• Coordinate procurement activities with principals and suppliers under the supervision of the Buyer.
• Manage and track purchase orders ensuring timely deliveries in line with agreements and plans.
• Monitor inventory in transit to facilitate smooth stock transfers from suppliers to warehouses.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships to secure timely and compliant deliveries.
• Follow up with suppliers on performance metrics, delivery schedules, and contract adherence.
• Conduct store visits to evaluate product displays and gather sales insights.
• Visit competitor locations for market benchmarking and trend spotting.
• Track stock levels and weeks of cover, issuing alerts for necessary stock adjustments.
• Collaborate with store teams to collect feedback on customer preferences and product success.
• Stay informed on local and international fashion trends and customer preference changes.
• Monitor competitor products, pricing, and marketing activities to guide buying decisions.

Candidate Profile

• At least 2 years of experience in retail or merchandising, preferably in fashion or lifestyle brands.
• Proficient in MS Excel, PowerPoint, and basic ERP software.
• Knowledgeable in product strategy development, vendor management, range planning, and trend analysis.
• Experience using market research, sales analytics, and forecasting methods.
• Holds a bachelor's degree in Fashion, Retail Management, or a related field from an accredited institution.