Since 1998 here at Platypus Shoes we have made it our business to deck out every single person who walks through our doors with the freshest footwear from all the biggest brands. But we reckon life goes beyond shoes. We believe it's what you do in them that truly counts. So stay out late. Wake up early. Walk there, run back. Stand tall and be a champion in a crowd of Naysayers. We're for the ones that dance harder, sing louder and don't care what anyone else thinks. This is your story. Play Life Loud.
Platypus Shoes is a part of the Accent Group which is the largest footwear group with over 850+ stores, 34 brands and 30+ online platforms including; Glue Store, Platypus, Skechers, Hype DC, Vans, Dr. Martens, Subtype, The Athletes Foot, CAT, Merrell, The Trybe, Timberland, Stylerunner, Hoka, UGG, Saucony, & Nude Lucy
About the Role:
Platypus Shoes is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Buyer to join our team. As a Senior Buyer, you will play a key role in branded buying, negotiating, and purchasing products that align with our brand and business objectives. In addition to your buying responsibilities, you will lead and manage a team of junior buyers, providing mentorship and guidance. You will collaborate across departments to contribute to and drive Platypus' strategy, ensuring the growth and success of the brand. This is an exciting opportunity to take on a leadership role within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Your key responsibilities will include:
* Branded Buying: Identify and purchase commercial branded footwear that aligns with Platypus Shoes' brand vision and customer demands. Build relationships with key branded suppliers and negotiate deals to ensure our product offerings are competitive.
* Product Selection: Collaborate with the planning and marketing teams to select and purchase footwear that meet customer preferences, seasonal trends, and demand forecasts.
* Supplier Relationships: Cultivate strong, long-term relationships with key branded suppliers.
* Market Analysis: Conduct regular market research to stay up-to-date on emerging trends and competitor offerings in the footwear and fashion industry.
* Budgeting & Cost Control: In conjunction with the planning team managing purchasing OTB effectively, ensuring that spending aligns with company goals.
* Vendor Performance: In conjunction with the planning team evaluate supplier performance and take corrective actions as necessary to address any issues or opportunities.
* Trend Forecasting: Provide input into forecasting future trends, consumer behaviour, and market demands.
* Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with the planning, marketing, and retail teams to align product offerings with marketing campaigns and sales strategies.
* Team Management: Lead and mentor junior team members, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure their development and success. Foster a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
* Strategic Input & Execution: Actively contribute to the overall strategy of Platypus Shoes, providing input on product direction, inventory management, and business growth opportunities. Collaborate with senior leadership to drive company objectives forward.
To succeed in this role, you will need to have the following:
* Minimum of 5 years of experience in branded buying, procurement, or merchandising, preferably within the footwear or fashion industry.
* Strong leadership skills with experience in managing and developing junior team members.
* Proven ability to negotiate and suppliers and partners.
* Excellent understanding of inventory management, supply chain principles, and budgeting.
* In-depth knowledge of branded market trends, competitor analysis, and consumer behaviour in the footwear industry.
* Ability to analyse data, prepare reports, and make data-driven decisions.
* Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships and lead a team.
* Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and purchasing software systems.
* A passion for shoes, fashion, and the retail industry.
At Accent Group Limited we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity and inclusion. We believe in the diversity of our people across age, gender, identity, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, physical and mental ability. We strive on creating an equal employment environment where everyone from any background can be themselves. The Accent Group acknowledges, and pays respect, to the Traditional Owners and ongoing custodians of the land. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Maori people.
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