Fraser and I are in our 9th season 50:50 share milking. Together we have collaborated our love of agriculture with our industry and leadership skills to create a successful farm business.We lead our business through its values and take every challenge head on with confidence and ambition.My role within our business is Business/Administration Manager. I am responsible for the planning and management of our business. This includes financial forecasting, budgeting and accounts as well as Risk Management, HR, Media, H&S, Rostering, Staff Management and Pasture Management while also being hands on in the practical aspect of our business.I work closely with Fraser on the everyday running of our business as well as ensuring we are taking the appropriate steps towards our goals. NZ Dairy Industry Awards - 2017 Auckland/Hauraki Share Farmer of the year winners.

I had a diverse role that required me to wear a lot of different hats at one time. I was responsible for the financial performance, growth and success of the adults brand along with ensuring I understood our customer to deliver product that was market relevant. I worked with the DC teams on stock/shipments, VM teams on product placement, retail teams on sales driving while also supporting my team around stock-sales analysis by department-store to achieve targets.I worked with a team of buyers for product development, a planning team for financial plans and forecasting as well as an analyst team for stock management.

At Home Direct I was responsible for the performance and growth of the Apparel and Manchester division.The apparel department includes responsibility of all product development and sourcing for Mens, Womens, Infants, Girls and Boys 3-7yr, Girls and Boys 8-14yr and Footwear.The role was diverse as I was working on 9 different categories at one time with many different types of buying skills and experience needed. The Buying role at Home Direct Ltd required the following responsibilities:• Product development.• Direct sourcing and product development with the Asian market - China, India• Setting up and building relationships in the Asian and US market. • Sourcing product in the US market.• Identifying trends.• Sourcing international brands. • Open to buy management.• Range development and planning.• Analysing product performance.• Product sourcing for different sales channels – Telesales, Online and Stores.• Analysing position in the market place, and recognising opportunities.• Determining retail price points based on the current market while ensuring margin is achieved.• Logistics management.• Ensuring QA standards are met and upheld.• Sales tracking.• Determine and implement promotional strategies across several different marketing channels.• Inventory Management.• Setting financial targets.• Advance system knowledge in Sage Accpac.• Managing team performance. • Working with and supporting the buying team on product, forecasting, OTB management.• Assisting the Merchandise Controller.

During my time in this role I was responsible for the performance of 16- 20 designer brands from both Australia and New Zealand. I achieved my financial targets each year and continued to maintain a steady level of growth. When starting out in this area I had the task of working on several underperforming brands which I turned around to create a successful and profitable business.• Sourcing product and identifying trends.• Open to buy management.• Setting financial targets.• Setting seasons trends, styles and colours.• Product development.• Analysing position in the market place, and recognising opportunities.• Working closely with suppliers on the look of the brands each season.• Ensuring QA standards are met and upheld.• Negotiating with suppliers and building relationships.• Determining retail price points based on the current market as well as ensuring margin is achieved.• Analysing product performance.• Sales tracking.• Determine and implement promotional strategies.• Managing team performance including Planner, Buyers Assistant.• Advance system knowledge in Arthur and SAP systems as well as BW reporting and Excel.

• Analysing and forecasting buying requirements.• Sales tracking.• Providing financial planning and stock management advice.• Monitoring and analysing sales and profit objectives.• Analysing sales and stock, then identifying trends and opportunities.• Developing merchandise plans and budgets.• Open to buy management.• Determining retail and promotional prices.• Implementing promotional plans.• Stock management, allocation and tracking.• Advance system knowledge in SAP, BW reporting, Arthur Financial Planning Tool and Excel.

• Liaising with Suppliers and Vendors.• Working with the Buyer to assist in ranging.• Creating, maintaining and tracking orders.• Keeping Range Plans up to date.• Assisting with the analysis of range performance.• Working with the Buyer to assist in garment fittings.• Ensuring quality assurance standards are upheld.• Communicating with stores and suppliers on a daily basis. • Planning advertising for catalogues and media events.• Competitor price and product checks.• Maintaining ranging spreadsheets and style files.• Working with the Buyer to put together advertising pages and creating briefs.