Buyer - Footwear (18 Month Contract)

The Buyer drives the timely sourcing of best available products to achieve and exceed sales and margin goals.

Specific responsibilities include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Build and retain a high performing team that delivers the results and meets performance goals
• Coach team on their professional and personal development
• Facilitate and lead change; continuously evaluate procedures within Buying office and provide/action recommendations for more effective business practices
• Attend market shows as required to select and assemble collections and product assortments. Travel may include national and/or international markets
• Buy product. Align the 'buy' to strategy - plan and select the range, type and quantity; decide on colour, size, price etc. and negotiate competitive bids to purchase within budgets and to drive profit
• Assess competitors, analyze buying patterns and predict future trends
• Select reliable and quality vendors to source the best available products at the best possible terms
• Responsible for managing, entering, and uploading purchase orders according to plan and forecast
• Manage open-to-buy to maximize business opportunities and inventory control
• Ensure timely delivery of merchandise, initiate cancellations or negotiate discounts on late deliveries as appropriate
• Manage inventory; make timely profitability decisions; review existing inventory performance indicators and react quickly to change in demand, logistics and trends
• Develop financial plans in partnership; prepare and present Seasonal Business Reviews
• Be proficient on all merchant systems
• Provide product information, maintain regular communication and work co-operatively with the store team
• Obtain feedback on how the market responds to choices made and to market needs; seek customer feedback
• Check store merchandise assortments, displays, stock levels as well as consult customers during peak selling times and key special events (PSN, Designer Trunk Shows/PA's)

• Implement specific marketing plans for each department, based on advertising results and discussion with Marketing department and vendors, to maximize brand exposure and increase sales and profitability; participate in promotional activities
• Negotiate with vendors for marketing Co-Op, specialist program support, United Way and special events/personal appearances to reinforce HR Brand; maintain excellent vendor relations
• Ensure advertised merchandise is adequately quantified and delivered and on time
• Lead, motivate, and retain a team of high performing employees that is capable of delivering results

The ideal candidate:

• Undergraduate degree, preferably in Business or Retail Management, or equivalent experience
• 3 years proven Buying experience, preferably in luxury retail
• Sound knowledge of purchasing principles and practices / Retail Math
• Demonstrated leadership and influencing skills with the ability to get things done
• Excellent interpersonal skills; a team player who is able to act as both a leader and an individual contributor as required
• Confident and effective communication (written & verbal) and interpersonal skills
• Is adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity and change
• Highly service-oriented with exceptional organizational and follow up skills
• Passionate about fashion and luxury retailing
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Experience managing a $50M business in buying
• Experience managing a large number of vendors