Senior Buyer

Job Description

The role is responsible for planning and selecting the merchandise range, type, quality, and quantity based on customer demand, market trends, store policies, and sales targets, in coordination with the Business Head, Brand Manager, or GM to ensure alignment with the budget. It includes carrying out buying activities according to the brand’s buying plans, maintaining profitable relationships with suppliers, and ensuring compliance with contract terms.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive seasonal business strategy by monitoring the critical path, range building, and product selection to meet brand positioning and gross margin targets.
• Develop a detailed assortment and investment plan, including open-to-buy (OTB) planning in coordination with planning counterparts.
• Formulate a seasonal product focus plan with Marketing and Visual Merchandising to highlight key product initiatives.
• Conduct customer focus groups and competitor surveys to identify gaps, inform range plans, and improve product selection.
• Negotiate with suppliers on pricing, payment terms, freight costs, training, and marketing involvement before placing purchase orders.
• Prepare and manage the buying calendar to ensure timely seasonal analysis and range delivery.
• Manage product hierarchy, create seasonal phasing plans, and oversee “The Look” for the season, including in-store layout and visual merchandising guidelines.
• Review weekly sales performance by style, range, category, and business unit; take in-season actions to adjust production flows and maximize sales.
• Implement TNA and staff product training programs to ensure business units have up-to-date product knowledge.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and buying feedback to provide recommendations to the General Manager for future buying strategies.
• Focus on maintaining current business while developing new categories to expand the product portfolio.

Skill & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Fashion, Retail, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of merchandising, buying, and product assortment planning
• Experience in negotiating with suppliers on pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and buying/planning software
• 7 to 10 years of relevant work experience in retail buying or merchandising, preferably in fashion or lifestyle brands
• Strong analytical and market research skills, with ability to track trends and competitor activity
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills