I was promoted to Senior Category Buyer for the HMV games department at the start of 2013.I was responsible for the creation and implementation of a new games trading strategy for HMV stores and HMV.com. Space and layout across the HMV estate was effected which required increased profit vs footage analysis.Increasing sales and margin acrosss the category were of critical importance to the department and overall business, especially whilst working within a restricted OTB.Supplier relations had to be re-constructed and new terms contracts had to agreed for trading to be maximised.I worked directly with the merchandising and marketing departments to increase availability across the chain and improve product awareness for HMV in the market.On behalf of HMV I recently accepted an industry award for ‘Best retail concept’. This award was issued for HMV’s FIFA 13 and Skylanders Giants experience zones in our flagship store at Oxford Circus. I was a key stakeholder in the creation and implementation working closely with the suppliers and store operations.

Since the start of 2012 I have been managing a number of key accounts such as Microsoft, Activision & Take Two within HMV. The main reason for the increased focus was to drive the Microsoft format and deliver market share growth across the hardware, 1st party accessories, new releases and catalogue software categories. Whilst working with key accounts I have had to deliver strong in-store and online activity across major AAA titles. Recent titles and brands include Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2, Skylanders Giants, Halo 4 and Max Payne 3.I have delivered a in store digital content strategy for online gaming within HMV. This included successful range selection, store planning and in store delivery but also creation of brand and graphical elements for store and online use.Outside of core responsibilities I have been effective in driving the look and feel of HMV.com.I have recently completed the GAP partnership skilled negotiator course which has given me an increased skill base to apply in my daily negotiating with suppliers and internal departments.

Once gaining promotion to Games Buyer at HMV I was entrusted with a number of large accounts including the likes of SEGA, Bethesda, Warner Brothers & Disney, enabling me to develop my skills in dealing with triple A new releases in a challenging market. I worked with key suppliers to deliver a strong catalogue software range which delivered increased margin & market share for the category.I also worked closely with suppliers and internal departments to deliver effective marketing plans across print, digital and TV.I was responsible for the sign off on the publication of stores weekly games communications & organization of annual sale campaigns.I was able to improve the relationship between the games department and other areas of the business such as finance, returns, operations and marketing through organisation and accurate information communication.In addition to my own development I have been entrusted with the training and management of an assistant buyer. Areas of control were stock management, new release sign off, catalogue purchasing and internal reporting.I feel I have contributed a large amount to the Games department at HMV in a short space of time and I have helped develop many key processes and objectives within my team which will help in future activities.

Following an internal application I was employed as an Assistant Games Buyer at the HMV group Head Office in Wardour Street, Central London. My initial buying tasks were with smaller software accounts. After being given this responsibility I have demonstrated my ability to recognize those accounts that have potential and improve both the finical return and the long-term relationship between HMV and the supplier. Another area where I have positively improved both the financial return and the commercial perception of the products are games related accessories. I worked with 1st party accessories suppliers to deliver a credible range of periferals for all formats and also worked with numerous 3rd party accessory suppliers to deliver an expanded range of products delivering high margin.

Sales Assistant / Team Leader (HMV Watford)I was part of the start up team in the new store opening of HMV Watford in 2001. I started my employment as a CD singles & 12 inch vinyl buyer, however quickly progressed to become responsible for all Chart CD & DVD purchases for the HMV Watford branch. After switching departments in store to manage the DVD & Games categories for HMV Watford I received a promotion to the Team Leader position. This position enabled me to work closely with the senior management team to drive store standards and look closely at staff development.Assasstant Manager (HMV Hampstead) Once completing the HMV Fast Track program I gained a promotion to become the Assisstant Manager of the HMV Hampstead branch.In the Assistant manager position I experienced increased contact with sales figures and was heavily involved in store performance reporting. I was responsible for planning and changing store layout to maximize revenues and was a key member of the team increasing merchandising consistency throughout the shop.Staff development and training was a key area of focus for me as I played a very hands on role in the running of the shop floor and stockroom.I was responsible for buying chart product and making sure catalogue availability across all product categories.