Footwear and Accessories Buyer
My client is a premium e-commerce fashion brand loved by celebrities and influencers. Who are growing rapidly and have an amazing opportunity for someone equally amazing to join the team
They are looking for an experienced women’s Footwear and Accessories Buyer to join and develop the footwear and accessories department. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of footwear construction and fits, as well as experience in sourcing footwear suppliers that fit with the ecommerce test and repeat model. Experience working across women’s accessories and or clothing departments would also be an advantage in this role.
The ideal candidate will have a passion for footwear and fashion with a keen, commercial eye that is able to translate the brand vision into best sellers.
The ideal candidate will
- Work with the supply base to build a commercial footwear & accessories range reflecting the brands aesthetics.
- Be responsible for range building with a strong analytical eye as well as a creative talent.
- Have an instinctive commercial eye for what will be a best-selling style for the customer and a proven track record of achieving this in previous roles.
- Monitor best and worst sellers across the clothing departments to ensure the footwear reflects and enhances the clothing range which in turn will grow additional purchasing
- Manage the critical path to ensure the range is on time.
- Improve the category bought in margin by re-negotiating / re-sourcing with the supply base
- Source, select, develop and negotiate with suppliers to deliver the right footwear and accessories at the right time throughout the year
- Maximise best sellers by developing additional styles that will broaden the range and reduce risk buying.
- Identify product opportunity by constantly reviewing the competition and inspirational brands.
- Complete buying trips as needed within the UK and internationally
- Present to the management team on a weekly/bi-weekly basis, ensuring communication is clear and concise
- Responsible for fitting the footwear range and feeding back all fit requirements to the supply base to ensure a cohesive, comfortable & consistent sized range
Key Experience, Skills & Abilities
A commercial fashion eye is essential, with the ability to understand the brands aesthetics, customers and competitors.
Experience in trading an ecommerce Department to maximise sales
The ability to problem solve, under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Must enjoy change and be open to new ways of working, as well as sharing ways to improve processes
Identifies new ways of working that fit the business as it continues to grow.
Able to take responsibility and make decisions efficiently and effectively.
Strong communication skills are a must to enable effective working relationships with all departments and levels.
Effective time management and the ability to prioritise workload.
Understands/ has experience with the test and repeat ecommerce buying model.
Has experience of buying for high street footwear brands.