Buying Manager

To lead the clothing buying team in developing and executing merchandise strategies that align with brand and business goals in a fast-paced fashion retail environment. The Buyer Manager is responsible for delivering customer-focused product assortments, driving sales and gross profit, and ensuring timely product delivery. By leading cross-functional collaboration, analyzing trade performance, and maintaining strong supplier relationships, this role ensures the right product reaches the right stores at the right time, while fostering a high-performing, responsive, and fashion-savvy team culture.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Team Leadership
• Merchandise Calendar Management
• Current Trade Management
• Post-Mortem and Seasonal Strategy Development
• Assortment Planning and Review
• Supplier and Partner Relationship Management

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 5 to 7 years experience in a buying or merchandising role within fashion retail.
• Proven track record of managing seasonal product ranges and achieving sales and profit targets.
• Strong understanding of fashion trends, customer behaviour, and competitor activity.
• Experience in leading and developing high-performing buying or merchandise teams.
• Previous involvement in planning product assortments, managing critical paths, and working cross- functionally with design, QA, VM, and marketing.

PREFERRED SKILLS / ATTRIBUTES:

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to analyse trade performance and make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Effective leadership and communication skills to guide teams and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly in reporting and range building.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile retail environment and adapt quickly to change.
• Competence in relevant software systems (e.g., Excel, merchandise planning tools, PLM or ERP systems).
• Passionate about fashion and trend-forward thinking.
• Customer-centric mindset with a drive to deliver the right product at the right time.
• Resilient, proactive, and solution-oriented.