Assistant Buyer - Footwear & Accessories

• Work alongside the Buyer to provide defined reports that will support creation of strategy
• For a defined product range, undertake market and trend research and analysis to create a strategy proposal
• Have an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the Divisional and overall Matalan strategy
• Work alongside Buyer & Merchandising team to develop shape of the range ensuring alignment with the overall departmental strategy & KPI's
• Work alongside Buyer and Designer to interpret the trends and develop commercial ranges within the agreed strategy framework
• Pro-actively bring insight and ideas to support development of wider range
• Present specific ranges in a relevant and impactful way ensuring correct samples are used and all product delivers the agreed margins with support from the Buyer
• Ensure pricing is well benchmarked and in line with company strategy
• Have full knowledge and understanding of the keyline process
• Using Monday Trading Reports be able to read and analyse Trade
• Work with the TAB to ensure data and samples are pulled for Trade meetings on time
• Highlight Best & Worst to the buyer alongside newness, problem lines and identifying opportunities alongside creation of a supporting commentary
• For department, have knowledge of keylines, NOOS lines and event lines
• Work alongside the Merchandising team to ensure the critical path is followed and tracked, flagging any issues or opportunities to the Buyer
• Conduct regular shopping and benchmarking trips highlighting opportunities, price architecture and VM principles
• Following the correct procedure, ensure regular store visits are conducted
• Pro-actively build and maintain positive and professional working relationships with key suppliers
• Ensure communication with suppliers is relevant, regular and clear
• Ensure preparation for selections, sign offs and supplier meetings is accurate, organised and completed to a high standard
• Clear understanding of Marketing protocol and needs
• Clear understanding of packaging requirements for defined range
• Deputise for the buyer as and when required
• Build and maintain good relationships with the TAB population, acting as a role model and providing support / mentorship as needed
• Understand and as required, be able to facilitate the running of fit sessions

• Experienced within a Trainee or Assistant Buying role, preferably within fashion retail
• Footwear & Accessories experience is advantageous
• Knowledge of key trends and market
• Commercially aware
• Ability to work independently to tight deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate at all levels
• Experience of development and coaching is essential

Footwear & Accessories experience

• 20% staff discount, which increases with length of service
• Thrive Recognition Scheme
• Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust
• Life Assurance
• Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers
• Pension Scheme
• Access to a wide range of career development