Overview of the role:

The Buying Assistant coordinates, executes and manages the activities of a buying department, classification or key programs, depending on scope and complexity, and assists the Category Buyer in developing, executing and communicating a product strategy that meets or exceeds financial goals.

What you will do:-

Description of Accountability:

Performance Analysis

• Assist and coordinate merchandizing and promotional activities to ensure successful execution
• Works with cross-functional team to ensure timely and accurate execution of new store assortments and quantities.
• Develops performance reports to determine appropriate allocation for maximum results.
• Develops in store stock analysis by size for key classifications i.e. Exclusive brands and other brands
• Handle queries from suppliers and work closely with suppliers to ensure timely submission on proposals
• Assist in price checks and obtain samples from suppliers
• Communicates out-of-stock concerns to the Buying and Planning teams
• Assist to communicate effectively with Operation and Trading Support for promotions and Trading activities
• Manages and checks PO created in SAP
• Raises shipment, PO discrepancy reports

Performance and Financial Goals Achievement

• Ensures timely and accurate execution of new store assortments as well as initial distributions and replenishment for existing locations
• Maintains correct stock levels by store
• Meets or exceeds sales, gross margin and inventory turn goals.
• Analyzes and communicates location performance, including sales/inventory comparisons, seasonality and marketing impacts.
• Develops departmental distribution strategies to capture location-based opportunities through quantifying volume and profit opportunities analysis.
• Follows product from receipt at the Distribution Centre, to point of allocation and complete receipt at store level. This is most important at floor set time periods
• Generate and review a range analysis report at the end of each phase/season to share successes and learn from any mistakes

Field Communication

• Participates in weekly cross-functional meetings to share information on current business issues
• Develops knowledge of regional variances and store attributes and trends through data analysis and field communication.
• Develops effective field relationships to capture location opportunities and / or liabilities

Skills

Required Skills to be successful:

• Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• PC skills
• You must possess strong decision making skills.
• You will have excellent attention to detail.
• Results-driven
• Individual Accountability
• Communication & interpersonal skills
• Personal Integrity
• Strong analytical skills & problem solving skills
• Ability to follow-up on outstanding issues
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team 
• Ability to manage time & work under pressure
• Readiness to persevere with difficult tasks
• Ability to be assertive without being aggressive
• Able to focus and drive tasks to completion

What equips you for the role:

• Bachelor Degree (Masters Preferred)
• 6-7 years’ experience in similar field
• Proven ability to achieve goals.
• Thinking and Analytical Skills.
• Business Acumen
• Leadership Skills and Strategic Thinking
• Good communication skills
• Excellent relationship skills
• Accountability