Junior Buyer
Job No:
WHS605
Location:
Woolloomooloo
- Fantastic opportunity in Retail Buying
- Work with a well-known, growing international brand
- Fast-paced but relaxed, contemporary working environment
About the Company:
WHSmith is an historic British retailer focusing on news, books, and convenience, and is a renowned, competitive leader in the travel market worldwide. Our Australian operations, under which 7 brands currently operate, are rapidly expanding, and we are looking for an additional Junior Buyer to join the Head Office team and become a key part of the Commercial function.
About the Role:
Taking ownership of the day-to-day operations and growth of your category, your role will be responsible for buying merchandise that meets the needs of our customers and challenges the travel retail market.
As our new Junior Buyer, you will be responsible for the following areas under the guidance of the Senior Buyer:
- Buy merchandise at prices that maximise gross profit and achieve profit budgets whilst maintaining the organisation as a competitive retailer in the market.
- Source and develop supplier relationships so that the organisation’s opportunities to buy the right merchandise at the right price at the right time are maximised.
- Establish marketing trends by researching, product history, supplier information, current trends and competitor activity.
- Define the parameters of range to specified organisation standards including volume, visual impact, national versus store brand, price and quality.
- Develop a range of products to ensure they compliment the overall company buying strategy. This includes consideration of price points, packaging/presentation, pack size and break up, and any geographical consideration.
- Analysis of historical statistical data by reviewing sales, profit, stock-turn, markdowns, by colour, subclass and supplier performance.
- Review of lost opportunities in relation to sales, i.e. out of stock ranges not run, competition ranges.
- Conduct regular analysis of sales, margins, stock levels and markdowns and revaluate merchandise plan accordingly.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a passionate candidate to jump on board to demonstrate the following:
- Previous retail buying experience within a fast-paced environment (FMCG/convenience highly regarded)
- Experience of negotiation, particularly around cost, income and promotional support from suppliers
- Ability to manage commercial innovation alongside strong business acumen
- Good commercial and financial acumen to be able to interpret the market and data quickly
- Strong analytical skills and ability to use data to drive business decisions
- Engaging and effective communication style
- Excellent time management, planning and organisational skills
- Strong analytical skills with excellent attention to detail
- Knowledge of product and understanding of market trends
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with key stakeholders
- Ability to multi-task and work to deadlines
There is a real opportunity here to make a positive impact within the team, and, as we continue to grow, to play a part in building the company.