Buyer – Merchandise Planning

About the role

The Buyer will be responsible for planning and selecting merchandise ranges that meet customer demand, align with brand strategy, and achieve sell‑through targets. Working closely with the Brand Manager and General Manager, the role ensures that buying activities support the overall budget and profitability goals.

Key responsibilities

• Drive seasonal business strategies in line with brand positioning, formulate gross margin plans, and develop fine‑tuned assortment and investment plans.
• Create and execute sourcing development plans, managing critical paths to ensure timely product delivery.
• Negotiate with new suppliers on pricing, payment terms, freight costs, training, and promotional involvement, and place purchase orders accordingly.
• Manage Open‑to‑Buy (OTB) in coordination with planning teams, monitor range building, and maintain the buying calendar.
• Analyse weekly sales performance by style, range and category, and take in‑season actions to optimise production flows and maximise sales.
• Implement Time‑Need‑Analysis (TNA) plans, conduct regular competitor surveys, and identify product gaps to influence future ranges.
• Oversee product hierarchy, seasonal phasing, and in‑store visual merchandising to ensure alignment with brand guidelines.
• Lead product training for staff, deliver trend briefings, and provide buying feedback to senior management.

Required skills

• OTB Planning
• Competitor surveys