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Retail Buyer:<br />
Job roles and responsibilities:<br />
Throughout the year, your responsibilities will include:<br />
•Analysing consumer buying patterns and predicting future trends<br />
•Regularly reviewing performance indicators, such as sales and discount levels<br />
•Managing plans for stock levels<br />
•Reacting to changes in demand and logistics<br />
•Meeting suppliers and negotiating terms of contract<br />
•Maintaining relationships with existing suppliers and sourcing new suppliers for future<br />
products<br />
•Understanding the basic rules of vendor management, allocation and price negotiation<br />
•Liaising with other departments within the organisation to ensure projects are completed<br />
•Attending trade fairs, in the UK and overseas, to select and assemble a new collection of<br />
products<br />
•Participating in promotional activities<br />
•Writing reports and forecasting sales levels<br />
•Presenting new ranges to senior retail managers<br />
•Liaising with shop personnel to ensure supply meets demand<br />
•Getting feedback from customers<br />
•Training and mentoring junior staff.<br />
Entry requirements:<br />
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree in retail or<br />
business can equip you with a greater commercial awareness and therefore<br />
increase your chances of getting a job. Graduate programmes are open to<br />
those with a 2:2 or above. In certain buying areas, such as fashion, employers<br />
may look for a relevant degree subject or a demonstrable interest and<br />
commitment to this particular area of retailing. Relevant HNDs and foundation<br />
degrees may be accepted by some employers, particularly if a candidate has<br />
practical experience to offer. It is sometimes possible to work your way up to a<br />
buying position without higher education qualifications. The level of<br />
competition is fierce, however, and there are few vacancies that offer direct<br />
entry into buying.<br />
Personal and professional characteristics:<br />
You will need to show evidence of the following:<br />
•Strong analytical skills<br />
•Negotiation skills and the ability to network and influence people<br />
•Team working and interpersonal skills<br />
•Excellent communication skills<br />
•Numeracy skills and proficiency using IT<br />
•Good organisation skills and the ability to multitask<br />
•The ability to cope with the pressure of having to make important decisions<br />
and meet tight deadlines<br />
•The capability to work in a fast-paced environment and achieve targets<br />
•Drive and determination<br />
•Entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to take risks<br />
•Commercial awareness<br />
•Leadership attributes<br />
•Creative flair<br />
•Confident presentation style<br />
•A passion for retail.<br />
Salary:<br />
•Typical starting salaries for junior buying roles: £18,000 - £25,000.<br />
•Typical salaries for more experienced buyers: £35,000 - £60,000.<br />
•Typical salaries at senior level/with experience: £55,000 - £70,000 plus.<br />
•Salaries vary according to a number of factors, including location, the size of the<br />
business.