Assistant Buyer

ASSISTANT BUYER -  MENSWEAR - LONDON

Assist and deputise for the Buyer in all operations of the Buying function through the effective administration of the department and the production of regular sales, stock margin, mark-down, and delivery information to meet agreed departmental objectives.

What you will be doing:

ADMINISTRATION

• Ensure that all departmental information records are accurately set up and maintained and regularly reviewed with the Buyer.
•  Review and discuss delivery schedules regularly with Merchandiser/Buyer to:
• Ensure stock is delivered in accordance with orders.
• Cancel stock where necessary/negotiate discounts
• Record, review and analyse weekly stock and sales information and based on this information make recommendations for relevant action to the Buyer.
• Ensure the accurate production of regular ad-hoc reports and analysis.
• Produce sales history at brand and departmental level to enable the Buyer to produce range plans and buying strategies.

BUYING

•   Liaise with Department Managers on a weekly basis to ensure familiarity with the ranges, highlighting key brands and fashion trends and reviewing best and worst sellers by line.
•  Liaise with the sales teams regarding the visual presentation of the product.
•  Produce regular comparative shopping reports, which demonstrate a thorough knowledge of competitor activity.
•  As requested by the Buyer, assist in the review of potential Suppliers
•  Assist the Buyer in identifying seasonal trends.
•  Assist the Buyer on the market to gain an understanding of the general principles of buying. Prepare analysis and sales information for buying appointments.
•  Attendance of relevant Buying appointments throughout the year, when required, to resource and select a commercial range.
•  Liaise with the online/social P&M teams, update on deliveries, to check and support with VM online.

MANAGEMENT

• Supervise, train and motivate the Buying Administrators.
•  Responsible for the day-to-day running of the department. Communicate with Merchandising, selling departments, systems, the warehouse and suppliers as necessary to identify and resolve any problems.

COMMUNICATION

•  Communication and liaison with all internal teams and areas of the business. Ensuring product selection & strategy is communicated internally.
• Visit Stores as required.

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

The Assistant Buyer is in regular contact with the Buyer.  Autonomous decision-making is required in the day to day running of the department to solve immediate problems with the Warehouse, Stores and in directing the Buying Administrators.  All major decisions are undertaken in consultation with the Buyer.

A bit about you:

• Highly numerate
• Excellent attention to detail
• Immediate Microsoft knowledge (Excel)
• Excellent communication skills (verbal & written)
• Natural team builder
• Has a good knowledge of Harvey Nichols brands and Customer
•  ‘Can-do’ attitude
• Good understanding of the latest trends
• A keen interest in fashion

About your experience:

Proven experience as an Assistant Buyer or Senior Buyers Admin ready for promotion.
Luxury Fashion experience desired

All your hard work, rewarded:

Our colleagues are as important to us as our customers. When working with us you will be introduced to a huge variety of benefits including:

Flexible working
Very generous staff discount plus annual clothing allowance