Head - Buying & Product - Fashion Retail (9-15 yrs)

Skills - Buying, OTB Planning, Range Planning etc

Job Purpose:

- Develop the BU Range plans (bottom up Sales and Buy plan BU wise, Department wise, Range wise by phase). Plan to include margin targets

- Create Net Margin action plan with clear timelines to deliver the targeted Net Margins at BU and department level with increased Gross Margins, cost savings and COR management.

- Manage catalogue offering between Retail , Marketplace and Website

Key Deliverables (Essential functions & Responsibilities of the Job):

- To work with the General Manager B&M to ensure that relevant market risks, opportunities and fashion trends are taken into account for the development of the BU financial plans.

- To work with designer, sourcing team and UK Buying team to develop product briefs in line with the BU Strategy

- To create structured ranges for each grade and type of stores that will give the best possible choice to the customer while delivering the required returns per square foot

- To accurately phase sales, stock, margin and intake plans and projections for the department by week, taking into account new store openings and prevailing market trends.

- Through pro-active trading to take balanced risks and opportunities that will maximize profitability.

- Maintain a direct and positive working relationship with other business functions like Trading, Supply chain, retail team.

- Effective communication and planning between Merchandisers, Marketing and Retail Team to ensure we deliver on Brand promise through the customer experience.

- Have clear job profiles and accountabilities and objectives for each role in the structure whilst always identifying and implementing opportunities to drive operational efficiency.

- Set clear objectives for your team around sales, service, standards, people and costs supported with the correct resource, training, budgets and management information and manage performance in line with the M&S performance management process to improve overall capability.

- Ensuring all 3rd party suppliers have a clear contract in place with a clear service level agreement which adheres to our corporate social responsibility principles. Ensure each contact is measured to ensure value for money and compliance of our terms of business.

- Promote the M&S brand values and ensure company policy and procedures are followed; including behavior set out in the M&S Code of Ethics and ensure the business complies with all relevant legislation, regulation and good corporate governance strategy.