Assistant Manager - Buying (Fashion)

The role of Assistant Manager requires the management of the day-to-day purchasing operation effectively and efficiently, training and developing personnel and ensuring the quality management of stock, deliveries, and relationship with suppliers.

• Monthly/ Quarterly and Annual forecasting of sales
• Making PO and compliance on supply chain
• Ensuring on shelf availability of stock more than 95% at any given point of time
• Coordinating with brands in case of slow-moving stock
• Promotional offers to be negotiated
• Ensuring testers & GWP availability always
• Mater data desk management

Role & responsibilities

A. Operations

• Maintain operations by initiating, coordinating, and enforcing purchasing operational policies and procedures manual
• Implement and maintain retail operational policies and procedures to incorporate a purchasing plan, cost control, audit compliance and people management
• Manage the purchase order process of Confectionery
• Contribute to future development at strategic and operational level
• Plan, identify, communicate, and delegate key responsibilities and practices to the purchasing team to ensure smooth flow of purchasing operations
• Establish and main effective communications between various departments within the Company and suppliers

B. Sales

• Develop sales order forecasts to achieve sales, margins and agreed stock levels
• Drive operational purchasing improvements through analysis and support
• Propose measures to improve operational performance

C. Reporting

• Develop purchasing reports to give feedback to retail and senior management to drive the business and improve purchasing operations
• Prepare reports on the businesses Key Performance Indicators as per the company standard

D. Staff

• Ensure purchasing operations requirements are fulfilled to include scheduling, assigning employees, follow up on work results
• Develop the purchasing staff and support areas to optimize sales and profits
• Lead the team to deliver a profitable business
• Ensure staff have a high level of customer awareness and product knowledge

E. Merchandise

• In conjunction with Head Buying, formulate pricing policies by reviewing merchandise activities, determining additional sales promotion, proposing stock clearance and studying trends
• Market merchandise by studying advertising, sales promotions, display plans, analysing operating and financial statements for profitability ratios
• Ensuring range and stock levels are consistent with business requirements

F. Financial

• Achieve financial objectives by preparing budgets, scheduling expenditure, analysing variances, and initiating corrective actions
• Maximize sales and profitability for the company
• Set monthly targets, monthly and annual budgets
• Update forecast results
• Work closely with concerned department/s to provide quality purchasing information

G. Customers

• Identify current and future requirements by regular visits to the airport retail stores to establishing rapport with potential and actual customers and other persons in a position to understand service requirements
• Take account of customers needs and shopping habits and competitor activity by regular visits to domestic retail stores
• Use a range of internal and external information data to initiate business changes and create a customer focused culture

H. Marketing

• In conjunction with business units in the region and suppliers formulates and agrees the yearly supplier/brand Promotional Calendars
• Provide help and support to suppliers to organize promotional/marketing events
• In conjunction with the retail department, review the implementation and success of supplier promotional activities
• Undertake market research to identify market trends, new product options and evaluate local and international competitors
• Works closely with the Marketing Manager to create quality marketing communications for the airport stores

I. Logistics

• Customs clearance
• Freight forwarding
• Import documentation
• Supply Chain
• Shipment tracker

J. Knowledge

• Maintain a professional and technical knowledge by attending exhibitions, workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, participating in professional groups

Preferred candidate profile

• 5 - 7 Years of progressively responsible Retail Management experience
• Currently Assistant Manager/ Senior Executive of multi-million turnover business
• Strong keyboard skills
• Customer service focused
• Passion for working in a fast moving and competitive retail environment
• Sharp negotiation skills
• Diplomacy
• Creative problem solving
• Team builder
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels both to partners, customers, and colleagues
• Respond quickly, positively and with integrity in a fast paced and changing environment

Perks and benefits