POSITION: PRODUCT MANAGER/BUYER
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES ▪ Strategically own and manage product categories
▪ Design Led Product Development
▪ Sourcing from multiple geographies and building relationships with new suppliers, whilst maintaining existing relationships
▪ Partner with production team to manage all phases of the range/product lifecycle including fabric, wash, colour, strike off, trim, artwork, fit (QA), PP and shipping sample approval
▪ Identifying key trends, colours and prints for the new seasons
▪ Cost price negotiation and intake margin
▪ Trial product and trade categories
▪ Range collaboratively with team to deliver the best product for our customers
Responsibilities: - Understand our customers and their evolving needs
- Live and breathe the company’s culture and values
- Production Planning with suppliers
- Strategically own and manage a selection of categories (apparel and accessories) from a collaborative product selection, sourcing, price negotiation, order placement to warehouse delivery
- Responsible for managing a commercial and desirable range that meets sales budgets, margin targets, proposed range mix and customers’ expectations
- Continuous product development for your specific categories using a combination of current trends and proven product knowledge – design led product development
- Ability to trade your range in season and are accountable for core lines with the planners
- Ability to run core line cards
- Intake Margin
- Identify new trends and products relevant to our customers through overseas travel, online research, and local market awareness
- Put together key looks for brand campaigns and digital content
- Monitor your product at retail level, collaborate with repeats and markdowns in weekly meetings
- Ensure the OTB is filled, and product deliveries are phased correctly.
- Work closely with textile graphic designer and external sources to develop prints that are within the brand’s copyright guidelines.
- Work closely with the production team in daily fittings and approvals to ensure accurate and on-time delivery by managing the critical path
- Understand and keep up to date with the key competitors and their position within the market (product assortment, pricing marketing, customer profile)
- Update and maintain product range books, create product guides & manage attributes for all selling channels
- Own product from creation, fitting, production to stores
- Train and coach new team members, helping them understand our customers, products, and ways of working
KEY COMPETENCIES ▪ Collaborative – a team player with the ability to provide leadership and motivation to broader team
▪ Results oriented – driven and motivated, accountability is taken for performance and outcomes
▪ Strong creative eye, passion for product, expert knowledge of current and emerging fashion trends
▪ Exceptional organisational and time management skills – able to prioritise, multitask, and deliver within deadlines and remain composed
▪ Comprehensive knowledge of garment manufacturing and fabrics – a proven track record sourcing from multiple geographies
▪ Communicate clearly, concisely, professionally and in a timely manner
▪ Able to meet new challenges with an open mind and thrive in a fast-paced environment
▪ Ability to set up new ways of working & processes in a simple, efficient way
▪ Ability to make decisions
▪ Be coachable and coach others