Helen Booker Email and Phone Number

I am currently responsible for both the housewares and electrical departments within Beales department stores. This involves sourcing and managing ranges in line with the company strategy and monitoring commercial product performance. The role also involves researching and developing new ranges by effectively analysing data, assessing the potential of new lines, meeting new and existing suppliers to develop effective ranges and negotiating the best prices to maximise sales and exceed… Show more I am currently responsible for both the housewares and electrical departments within Beales department stores. This involves sourcing and managing ranges in line with the company strategy and monitoring commercial product performance. The role also involves researching and developing new ranges by effectively analysing data, assessing the potential of new lines, meeting new and existing suppliers to develop effective ranges and negotiating the best prices to maximise sales and exceed profit targets. A key part of this position is the development of effective promotions in line with the promotional calendar to deliver sales and margin requirements. I also manage a team of four, providing leadership and developing junior team members, setting day to day tasks and longer term objectives. Show less

Managed all aspects of the fine art and framing department within Hobbycraft which covered 5000 products with a supply base of over 50 suppliers. As market leader I worked with suppliers to drive the ranges forward, briefing new product development within range and for promotional events.

As the lead in a team of nine people I had the responsibility of managing both direct delegates and peers within the team. Being ultimately responsible for the delivery of the range I was chair of weekly progress meetings ensuring that each team member was on track to deliver their responsibilities. Managed and improved the relationship with the tabletop team in the Sainsbury’s Asia office. This involved weekly conference calls, monthly video conferences and bi-annual trips to the Far East… Show more As the lead in a team of nine people I had the responsibility of managing both direct delegates and peers within the team. Being ultimately responsible for the delivery of the range I was chair of weekly progress meetings ensuring that each team member was on track to deliver their responsibilities. Managed and improved the relationship with the tabletop team in the Sainsbury’s Asia office. This involved weekly conference calls, monthly video conferences and bi-annual trips to the Far East, which led to cost price improvements and greater control over delivery of orders. Show less

In this position I assumed all responsibilities of a buyer. The key aspects of this position were: selecting a commercial product range for the catalogue, setting multi million pound sales and profit budgets and achieving them, supplier negotiations including regular international sourcing trips and managing a team.