In this role, I am responsible for planning and selecting a range of products. In order to consistently achieve productivity, I take into account the following factors before making purchasing decisions:• Customer demand, including price, quality and availability• Market trends• Internal policies• Financial budgetsI source new merchandise and review existing items to ensure products remain competitive. It’s important to remain abreast of customer needs and market trends, as this maximises profits and provide a commercially viable range of merchandise at competitive prices. Keeping up to date with trends and reacting to changes in demand are key elements of my role.Throughout the season, my tasks typically involve:• Analysing consumer buying patterns and predicting future trends; • regularly reviewing performance indicators, such as sales and discount levels;• reacting to changes in demand and logistics;• meeting suppliers and negotiating terms of contract;• maintaining relationships with existing suppliers and sourcing new suppliers for future products;• liaising with other departments within the organisation to ensure projects are completed;• travelling abroad on buying trips to select and assemble a new collection of products;• presenting new ranges to Buying Manager and Directors;• liaising with store staff to ensure supply meets demand;• getting feedback from customers;• training and mentoring junior staff

At this point in my career, I was the assistant buyer for the Old Khaki brand. I am dynamic, hardworking, and a reliable individual who works well in a pressurised team environment. This is where I’ve acquired my perceptiveness and ability to identify trends and functionality. Throughout the season, my tasks typically involved but were not limited to:• Achievement of Gross Profit Rand Targets• Range preparation, co-ordination & presentation• Product Selection & Development• Range execution and liaison with suppliers• Control of Product Quality and fit• Administration functions• Liaising with Branches

This is ultimately where I found my passion for buying in the retail industry. I believe I was an exceptional buying administrator. Whilst giving support to the head buyer of the brand, I also provided administrative duties to the wider team.Through my exposure in head office, I acquired:• A good overall working knowledge of IT (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook)• Meticulous eye for detail and accuracy• Ability to work as part of a team• Ability to work to tight deadlines and prioritise workload• Experience of working in a retail head office