Senior Buyer, Footwear

Holt Renfrew; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury retail company in Toronto is seeking a buying strategist with significant experience. You will manage inventory, negotiate with vendors, and lead a high-performing team to align with financial strategies. Ideal candidates possess a degree in Business and a strong background in purchasing, along with a passion for fashion. This role offers competitive compensation and various benefits.

Benefits

Employee discount

Health & dental benefits

Tuition assistance

Continuous learning opportunities

Qualifications

• 5 years of proven buying experience.
• 1 year of merchandise planning experience.
• Experience in luxury retail is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Manage open-to-buy (OTB) to maximize business opportunities.
• Lead negotiations with vendors for contracts.
• Build and retain a high performing team.

Skills

Purchasing

Sourcing

Procurement

Negotiation

Leadership

Retail Math

Education

Undergraduate degree in Business or Retail Management

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Holt Renfrew offers you an inspiring fashion-driven environment with opportunities to learn and grow. From our incredible partnerships with iconic luxury brands to our commitments to corporate social responsibility you will be inspired every day.

A job at Holt Renfrew offers a competitive total compensation a generous employee discount pension and health & dental benefits tuition assistance and continuous learning and development.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategy for and manage open-to-buy (OTB) to maximize business opportunities and drive profit
• Manage inventory and influence decisions around inventory: make timely profitability decisions review existing inventory performance indicators and react quickly to change in demand logistics and trends all while following the guidelines of the OTB
• Develop and provide input into financial plans in partnership with the Planning team and prepare and present Seasonal Business Reviews by store and by commodity
• Assemble collections and build product assortment based on industry knowledge and expertise acting with autonomy in decisions made. Attend market appointments as required (Travel may include national and / or international markets)
• Align the showroom selection to best suit the financial strategy and profitability select right product range type and quantity; decide on colour size price
• Maintain and nurture relationships with vendors both new and existing
• Lead negotiations with vendors to negotiate terms of the contract; payment terms IMU support during and at the end of the season
• Have a global understanding of trends buying patterns and competitor strategies to constantly stay ahead of the market and to help coach the rest of the divisional team
• Ensure timely delivery of merchandise initiate cancellations or negotiate discounts on late deliveries as appropriate
• Provide product information to maintain regular communication with and work co-operatively with the store team
• Obtain feedback on how the market responds to choices made and to market needs; seek customer feedback and act on this
• Implement specific marketing plans for each department based on advertising results and discussion with Marketing department and vendors to maximize brand exposure and increase sales and profitability; participate in promotional activities
• Negotiate with vendors for marketing Co-Op specialist program support United Way and special events / personal appearances to reinforce the Holt Renfrew Brand
• Ensure that advertised merchandise is adequately quantified and delivered and on time
• Work cross-functionally to ensure that there is strategic alignment between network plans marketing plans and any other strategic initiatives that impact the buy
• Build and retain a high performing team that delivers the results and meets performance goals
• Coach team on their professional and personal development
• Lead motivate and retain a team of high performing employees that is capable of delivering results
• Facilitate and lead change; continuously evaluate procedures within Buying office and provide / action recommendations for more effective business practices

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in Business Retail Management or a related field
• 5 years of proven buying experience
• 1 year of merchandise planning experience
• Experience in luxury retail is an asset
• Sound knowledge of purchasing principles and practices / Retail Math
• Be proficient on all Merchant systems
• Impeccable taste for fashion and a great sense of style
• Demonstrated leadership and influencing / negotiation skills with the ability to get things done
• Excellent interpersonal skills; a team player who is able to act as both a leader and an individual contributor as required
• Confident and effective communication (written & verbal) and interpersonal skills
• Is adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity and change
• Highly service-oriented with exceptional organizational and follow up skills
• Passionate about fashion and luxury retailing
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook)
• Equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our future success depends on the perspectives and contributions of all our employees their diverse backgrounds abilities and experiences make our business stronger. If you are contacted for a job opportunity and require accommodation please email and let us know so we can ensure you have an accessible candidate experience throughout the recruitment process. All requests are confidential and used only to meet candidate needs.
• Required Experience: Senior IC
• Key Skills: Purchasing,Sourcing,Procurement,HR Sourcing,SAP,Supply Chain Experience,ERP Systems,negotiation,Materials Management,Manufacturing,MRP,Contracts
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Experience: years
• Vacancy: 1