Buying Manager Women's Footwear & Accessories at Woolworths

To deliver profitable and sustainable growth for the department/s this is under-pinned by the group strategy. To lead and inspire a team to deliver balanced product ranges through a customer led process that meets and exceeds customer expectations within the agreed KPIs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Integrate customer understanding through effective market segmentation  
• Review post season analysis by department/class sub-class as input in the development of the group strategy 
• Provide analysis, incorporate design direction and trend to develop the group strategy and 1 year operating plan in line with business strategy 
• Review departmental operational plans to ensure that they deliver into the group strategy    
• Review range plan taking into account customer needs, trend direction, competitive analysis, growth/exit of product categories, determining product objectives that deliver to department operational plan
• Review weekly and monthly performance with departments and consolidate identified solutions and develop action plan to ensure departmental KPI’s are met and exceeded
• Identify opportunities within the season to maximise profit and grow market share  
• Ensure management of Open to Buy to maximise sales and minimise markdown 
• Ensure buying processes are managed in line with merchandise cycle in order to deliver on time launch and against critical path
• Lead the process in briefing the design team in line with group strategy in order to deliver a balanced range within agreed price architecture 
• Conduct product reviews, including financials, assortment plan, final product and reconcile assortment plan and financials with strategy  
• Lead and identify packaging and ticketing needs in line marketing/brand and promotional strategy
• Ensure and conduct regular store and competitor visits to understand product performance, assortment balance and customer experience of range and adjust where appropriate
• Manage supplier strategy to deliver Group KPI’s in line with sourcing strategy
• Improve margin through effective sourcing and supplier negotiations
• Set and manage departmental financial and expense budgets in line with group’s budget
• Develop, motivate, inspire and lead the team to achieve and deliver the group strategy and plans that will ensure high performance through the effective use of the IPM process
• Drive succession planning, EE transformation and develop talent within the teams  

KEY COMPETENCIES

TECHNICAL and FUNCTIONAL

• Relevant 3 year diploma or degree 
• Up to 12 years retail buying experience in a Footwear & Accessories environment is essential 
• A deep appreciation for WW product and brand ethos
• Extensive retail knowledge, both local and global
• Footwear & Accessories product knowledge and buying experience is preferred
• Demonstrate product leadership and direction
• Strong negotiation skills  
• Highly numerate 
• Demonstrates taste level and flair 
• Understanding of range building process 
• Strong merchanting ability 
• Commercial acumen and financial savvy
• Ability to manage a team effectively through managing goals, identifying development needs and building buying competence 
• Ability to take risks and adapt to changing circumstances that are in the best interest of Woolworths