Job Purpose:

To support the Senior Director of Merchandising in all aspects of the buying process to bring in a selection of seasonal merchandise which ties in with the company’s strategic direction whilst maximizing the profit opportunities for the company.

Key Accountabilities:

Sales and Profit

• Lead the buying team in achieving seasonal sales and profit targets based on the seasonal business plan
• Negotiate with suppliers in a tough but fair manner to secure exclusive ranges / brands and optimize the profit margin
• Monitor closely systems to control sales and stock levels in order to maintain seasonal target and increase the stock turn rate for own bought brands
• Work with the stores to establish a balanced range of merchandise suited to the customer profile of store
• Work together with marketing to make recommendations for changes and improvements to maximize sales potential and profit within the store
• Be proactive in understanding the competition, and take action to minimize any loss of Pedder Group market share
• Determine pricing strategies for products/suppliers based on market reviews, competitor positions, supplier financials, etc.
• Track and evaluate performance of all merchandise and review performance weekly with Divisional Merchandise Manager and Store Managers
• Provide monthly updates to relevant parties on key costs and expenses related to buying

Merchandise Management

• Be innovative and to forecast upcoming trends by attending worldwide exhibitions
• Be familiar with both local and overseas market situations and trends
• Ensure timely delivery of merchandise and ensure consistent quality and quantity to stores
• Monitor sales and manage the exception rate, taking decisive action to handle any issues
• Maintain a leading position in the market of products in its own category
• Monitor the performance of all suppliers, give timely feedback and handle issues related to supply and product quality
• Carry out spot checks in inventory levels in store and work with Store Manager's on any store operation issues
• Be responsible for the maintenance and control of aged stock

Relationship Management

• Work closely with Visual Merchandise and Marketing to deliver the correct image to the end customer through the correct channels
• Work closely with warehouse to maintain a timely delivery to stores
• Demonstrate a desire to understand and communicate the latest trends and to customers and staff
• Manage the business relationship with the suppliers involved in their business category
• Provide accurate knowledge and information to sales staff for them to communicate with the customers
• Train sales staff in all aspects of their merchandise including product knowledge and visual presentation
• Manage the vendor relationship to ensure that sales staff are trained in product knowledge and visual presentation for vendor products
• Provide on the job coaching to ensure that the direct reports are able to meet and exceed the requirements of their role
• Recognize, reward and celebrate success with the team, stores and vendors

Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years of buying experience, preferably gained in sizable organizations handling multiple brands
• Buying experience from the ladies leather shoes category is a MUST. Previous experience in the leather goods category is also an advantage
• Great sense and knowledge of fashion trends
• Good understanding of retail business and competitors
• Self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Good communication and organizational skills
• Excellent command of spoken and written English. Proficiency in Mandarin and written Chinese is also required
• Familiar with MS office applications, especially MS Excel
• Business travel will be required (a few times a year)

A competitive remuneration package with career advancement opportunity will be offered to the right candidate. If you desire an exciting and rewarding career, please submit your cover letter and full resume with current salary and expected salary via "APPLY NOW"

Office location at only 2 minutes walking distance from MTR - Wong Chuk Hang

All information provided will be treated in strict confidence and used for recruitment purposes only.