Senior Buyer - Womenswear (Maternity)

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About Matalan

From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever-evolving here.

We know as a team, we are stronger together - we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth.

We want give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know.

In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.

About the role

We are looking for a Senior Buyer to optimise the profitability of a designated product area, developing a commercial liaison across all interfaces with the Buying, Design and Merchandising functions within the business alongside the training and development of your own team/ division. Supporting the Head of Buying to deliver company strategies and interface with key strategic partners to deliver this

You will be responsible for:

• Co-ordinating the look and style of product ranges within a dedicated area, including all research and development.
• Working in collaboration with the relevant Designers, agreeing on both the mood and story boards for translation into product.
• Establishing and maintaining good relationships with existing and potential suppliers, attending and contributing to supplier meetings on current and previous ranges.
• Attending UK & Overseas Trade Shows and regular buying trips to suppliers across the Near & Middle East, China & Bangladesh
• Conducting competitor shopping trips and benchmarking, identifying issues and opportunities for your department including prices, range width, gaps or over ranging, equipment and POS.
• Contributing in WSSI meetings, showing an understanding of how Intake and OTB affect WSSI figures for your range.
• Preparing for and attend at range selection and signoff meetings, contributing on future trends and competitor ranges.
• Identifying sales on the Range Monitor, proposing actions against forecasts and budgets where appropriate.
• Responsible for the sample procedure and processes for the department, ensuring all goods are delivered as planned.
• Coaching and development of trainees, assistants and, where applicable, juniors within the team.
• Contributing to mailer input, securing mailer deals and creating mailed pages to achieve sales and profit targets.
• Responsible for developing product and packaging for the department where required.
• Working closely with the relevant Merchandiser to develop Merchandising Planners for the ranges.
• Developing the quality of the ranges in conjunction with the Quality Assurance team.
• Deputising in the absence of the Head of department.

About You

• Successfully held a Buyer or Senior Buyer role, within a fast paced fashion retail environment
• Area will cover Outerwear / Denim / Casual Trousers & Knitwear. Experience on these categories is essential.
• Able to demonstrate strong leadership and coaching skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate in the workplace.
• Ability to drive and deliver results in line with company strategy
• Quick learner able to deal with and manage change
• Strong commercial acumen

Benefits

In addition to competitive salaries, we also offer the below core benefits:

• 20% staff discount, which increases with length of service
• Thrive Recognition Scheme
• Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust
• Life Assurance
• Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers
• Pension Scheme
• Access to a wide range of career development
• Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business