Senior Buyer, Footwear

HOLT RENFREW; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An upscale retail company seeks a Senior Buyer for a pivotal role in developing buying strategies in luxury fashion and beauty. The main responsibility is to source high-quality products while meeting sales goals. Candidates should have a strong background in business or retail management, exceptional negotiation and leadership abilities, and a passion for fashion. Offers a competitive salary and benefits, fostering an inspiring workplace culture focused on continuous learning and development.

Benefits

Generous employee discount

Pension plan

Health & dental benefits

Tuition assistance

Continuous learning and development

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop buying strategies and initiatives.
• Manage open-to-buy (OTB) to maximize business opportunities.
• Lead negotiations with vendors and build a high-performing team.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Retail Math knowledge

Adaptability

Organizational skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in Business or Retail Management

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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.

The Senior Buyerdevelops buying strategies and initiatives that bring the Holt Renfrew point of view together with the best in luxury beauty and fashion from around the world. He/she drives the timely sourcing of best available products to achieve and exceed sales and margin goals while elevating the brand matrix and understanding the core vision of our product offering. The Senior Buyer is an expert and leader in their division and acts as a resource to the rest of the divisional team for elevating their buying performance.

Specific responsibilities include (but are not limited to) the following:

• 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)

Holt Renfrew is an 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 [e-mail] 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.