Buyer

Saltrock Head Office; Braunton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading outdoor apparel brand is seeking a Buyer based in Braunton, England. The role involves formulating and implementing the buying strategy for Mens & Boys' apparel, collaborating with design and merchandising teams, and analyzing market trends to drive profitability. Candidates should have proven experience in apparel buying and strong negotiation skills. This position offers the chance to work within a passionate team focused on product development in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Apparel Buying and product development.
• Strong negotiation skills and financial acumen.
• Ability to interpret data for decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement the Buying strategy for Mens & Boys' wear.
• Work closely with Design to develop seasonal ranges.
• Manage order placements and ensure KPI targets are met.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Numerical analysis

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Planning and organization

Tools

Excel

Job description

Are you a lover of all things outdoors, passionate about product, super motivated and have a strong career history in Apparel Buying?

Does working for a Brand like ours excite you? If so, becoming part of the Saltrock family and being based in North Devon could be part of your next adventure!

For over 30 years, Saltrock; a British, coastal, lifestyle brand, has had holiday, family, spirit and fun at its heart. Our inspiration flows from land and sea, waves and coastline. Designed in the South West since 1988 we have grown into a loved Devon brand known for its iconic print designs.

The role of the Buyer is to Formulate and implement the Buying strategy for Mens & Boyswear through planning and trading activities in order to drive profitable growth. Direct the product development cycle to ensure availability is maximised.

Main Duties / Responsibilities

• Develop & propose Seasonal department Strategy together with the Buying, Design & Merchandising teams which satisfy the overall company strategy
• Establish key financial parameters for department working alongside Buying and Merchandising and agree with Management Team
• Work closely with Design team to develop seasonal ranges which deliver the overall product strategy
• Contribute to sourcing strategy which sets out mid and long term plans for the global supply base
• Negotiate and agree best payment terms and product costs, ensuring payment lead times are monitored and do not impact launch dates
• Work closely with the Design, Buying and Merchandising teams to develop and select a balanced and commercial range which delivers the department strategy, and successfully sign off with Management team
• Plan seasonal pricing and promotional policy together with Merchandiser in line with strategy and feed into the company business calendar
• Oversee the placement of orders ensuring all KPI’s and delivery targets are met, including barcodes, etc.
• Ensure all key buying documents are upkept accurately, including Range plans, Critical paths and Order Tracking
• Own the critical path process through regular supplier liaison ensuring all product remains on time and that launch availability is maximised
• Collaborate on approval process on all product (lab dips, prints, fabrics, trims etc) with design team during product development, up to final sign off
• Manage approval process post sign off on all components, consulting with design if any major changes occur
• Through weekly trading reviews and proposals, ensure that in season activity maximises profitability, whilst maintaining efficient controls of OTB and commitment, including management of blanks programs

Complete monthly lessons learned, and quarterly reviews with design and merchandising to drive out key lessons learned feeding into future strategies. Astute awareness of brand positioning through regular com shops and attendance at trade fairs, etc

• Work closely with the DC, Merchandising, Ecom & Suppliers to support overall efficient movements of stock through the supply chain to market
• Effectively communicate across the business in order to meet department objectives
• Recognises Potential problems and highlights risks to Head of Buying & Merchandising, offering resolution before escalation

Role Competencies

• Development & implementation department strategy
• Thorough understanding of all buying & merchandising principles
• Broad and current knowledge of commercial, economic, trading and market activities affecting the clothing industry
• Understanding of the supply chain and product life cycle
• Understanding of garment construction & fabrics
• Excellent brand and market commercial knowledge
• Passionate about products
• Comprehensive understanding of customer profile, product range & competitors
• Strong negotiation skills to achieve targets.
• Highly numerical - able to interpret data to determine decision making, work to budgets and financial plans.
• Strong communication and influencing skills at all levels.
• Strong presentation skills to all levels.
• Strong planning & organisation skills, able to change plans in line with business needs.

General Skills

• Strong negotiation skills to achieve targets.
• Highly numerical - able to interpret data to determine decision making, work to budgets and financial plans.
• Strong communication and influencing skills at all levels.
• Strong presentation skills to all levels.
• Strong planning & organisation skills, able to change plans in line with business needs.

Proven experience of managing opportunities and risks to drive profit.

Strong, influential people manager

Excellent Excel competency

Key Contacts & Relationships

External Suppliers

Internal Design, Buying and Merchandising team. Stores, Finance, Warehouse, Ops, Ecom & Marketing

Accountable for Resources

• Brand Integrity – product in line with Brand identity
• Company integrity - relationship with externals
• Financial – ensure profitability of category within Stores and Direct channels, through product strategy, working to timelines and budget
• Product costs

Reporting to :

Head of Buying & Merchandising