Junior Buyer

Like the idea of joining the Saltrock Team? We are looking for a Buyer or Junior Buyer (dependent on experience) to come aboard and join the next part of our adventure

This is a really exciting opportunity for someone who has a passion for product.

The Atlantic Ocean, North Devon Coast and salty air, for over 30 years, Saltrock; a British, coastal, lifestyle brand, has had holiday, family, spirt and fun at its heart. Designed in the South West since 1988 we have grown into a loved Devon brand known for its iconic print designs.

You will be responsible for planning, developing and selecting a balanced product range which maximises sales opportunities and exceeds customers needs. You will also be negotiating cost prices to meet financial targets to meet the requirements of this fast paced business

**Main Duties/Responsibilities**
- Develop & propose seasonal department strategy together with the Buying, Design & Merchandising teams which satisfy the overall company strategy.
- Works closely with relevant teams to plan and balance ranges, providing insight on sales and the current market, trends and competitors, and ensures merchandise launches are phased appropriately.
- Keep up to date through comparative shopping, research and customer feedback to build our product strategy and plan.
- Be the key driver behind taking the initiative to innovate our product strategy and deliver consistent product newness.
- Effectively trade in season by identifying gaps in ranges and potentialising opportunities that will have the biggest impact on performance and gain market share, whilst effectively managing risk.
- Establish key financial parameters for department working alongside Buying and Merchandising and agree with Management Team.
- Contribute to sourcing strategy which sets out mid
- and long-term plans for the global supply base and implement same.
- Negotiate and agree best payment terms and product costs, ensuring payment lead times are monitored and do not impact launch dates.
- Oversee the placement of orders ensuring all KPI’s and delivery targets are met.
- Ensure all key buying documents are kept up to date accurately, including Range plans and Critical path.
- Own the critical path process through regular supplier liaison ensuring all product remains on time and that launch availability is met.
- Plan, prepare and deliver all documentation through the GTM process as scoped for buying team.
- Collaborate on approval process on all product (lab dips, prints, fabrics, trims etc) with design team during product development, up to final sign off.
- Through weekly trading reviews and proposals, ensure that in season activity maximises profitability including management of blanks programs if applicable.
- Knows best and worst sellers to ensure we are buying to maximise sales potential in store (both during buying season as well as through analysis)
- Recognises Potential problems and highlights risks to Head of Buying & Merchandising, offering resolution before escalation.

**Role Competencies**
- Accessories and Hard Goods knowledge an advantage
- Thorough understanding of all buying & merchandising principles.
- Broad and current knowledge of commercial, economic, trading and market activities affecting the clothing and accessory industry.
- Understanding of the supply chain and product life cycle
- Excellent brand and market awareness.
- Passionate about products

**General Skills**
- A team player who thrives in a fast paced, busy and challenging environment and builds a rapport with members of your immediate and wider teams.
- Highly organised, you’ll be able to proactively manage a wide range of responsibilities throughout the development process and balance multiple priorities.
- 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.

**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

INDHEADOFFICE