Responsible for managing and optimizing procurement processes for multiple categories including Bedding, Bath, Beds and Furniture, Quilts and Pillows. • Collaborate closely with suppliers to negotiate terms, prices, and agreements, resulting in cost savings of 5% on average. • Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, market dynamics, and competitive landscapes to make informed purchasing decisions. • Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies to ensure consistent supply, minimize risks, and maintain product quality. • Effectively manage supplier relationships, addressing any issues promptly to ensure smooth operations and timely delivery of products. • Track and analyze key performance metrics, such as inventory turnover, supplier performance, and product demand, to make data-driven decisions. • Lead cross-functional teams to execute product launches, promotions, and marketing campaigns, resulting in an increase in sales revenue. • Collaborate with the marketing department to align procurement activities with market trends and consumer preferences. • Utilize strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and contracts, contributing to a increase in profit margins.

Junior Buyer - Beds Furniture, Quilts and Pillows

Beds and Furniture

I previously developed two Myer Exclusive Brands in Sleepwear individually, however as a part of my role as a Trainee within the Product Development team, was involved with all aspects of the Sleepwear, Lingerie and Underwear Categories. This includes development, ranging, fitting, order management, marketing and all other general administration required.Exclusive Brands Sleepwear and UnderwearMain Duties/qualities:·Main Duties/qualities:• Selected and developed a relevant range for two Myer Exclusive Brands of Sleepwear • Managed complete range selection and order placement• Maintained an understanding of supplier, competition, customer, retail stores, and category industry dynamics, by partaking in regular research and analysis of the market, and attending regular retail presentations.• Managed key stakeholders including MSAL and Local suppliers• Managed supplier delivery performance • Determined Promotion and Price Strategies • Negotiated costs with suppliers to ensure budgeted first margins were achieved • Worked with a designer in fitting sessions • Communicated fitting issues back to the factories• Managed lab dips, trim and fabric approvals across all brands• Worked alongside the QA team for fabric tests, specifications, packaging, obtaining certifications, and labelling• Developed labelling and branding for new and seasonal developments• Created final production specifications and technical packs for suppliers • Assisted in marketing of brands and promotions• Worked with stylists for magazine editorial pages Achievements: • Winner of Product Development of the year at Myer’s Inspirational People awards 2014for achieving all key KPI’s, showing initiative to the business by developing a new brand, and inspiring others through hard work and sales achievement. • Was a finalist member of ‘Product Development Team of the Year’ at Myer’s Inspirational People Awards 2013

I joined Myer in 2010 as an Allocation analyst in Mens Modern Brands – this included both National Brands (Wholesale) and Myer Exclusive Brands. With my exposure to product Myer Exclusive Brands I developed a keen interest in Product Development and offered up my support and time wherever I could through Ranging periods and Supplier meetings, so as to gain more of an understanding of the processes involved. I was lucky enough to be accepted into the Myer Merchandise Training Program as a Category Buyer/Product Developer in Training.

(Category - Jersey Tops and Active-wear)These divisions combined, total to over 200 options (styles) delivered to stores every month and responsibilities include:· To allocate merchandise to stores based on demographics, size and store sales potential· Ranging new merchandise in retail system, ensuring stock is released to stores as per delivery and range plans· Monitoring stock levels against budget for new store openings· Collation and analysis of sales and stock data· Maintaining and monitoring of delivery schedules and communicating any changes outside tolerance to the planner· Issuing of weekly reports to the business· Completing promotions and markdowns in retail system and preparing store communications· Liaising with stores with respect to stock queries· Providing support and back up to the planner· Work closely with the Category Buyer and Assistant Buyer communicating performance of current stock to ensure effective decisions made for purchases and designs going forward.Achievements:· Developed reports to track sales and that are in use by other category analysts.· Instigated and carried out research projects to map climate patterns for major cities to assist in buying and planning functions and strategies.· Instigated and carried out reseach projects to map local marketing and community events to produce marketing calendas for major cities. These calendas note all relevant holidays, festivals, sporting events, which can affect traffic flow and spending habits in the stores local.