Assistant Manager, Buying, Asia

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Buying Manager will be responsible for leading on buying and assorting merchandise for Retail Stores in Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore & Australia, in accordance with corporate guidance and providing on-going feedback around merchandise needs on categories of handbags & accessories.  He or she is required to establish strategic merchandise plans for sales, markdowns, inventory, and growth opportunity.

RESPONSIBILITIES

MERCHANDISING

·         Responsible for the buying of categories of Shoe & Jewelry

·         Assist in formulating the buying strategy and the buying process to make sure each buy is done properly (quantity and styles) by assorting the line, analyzing history, and identifying volume drivers to maximize sales for each season with guidance and collaboration with the Corporate Buying function

• Monitor sales and sell through situation and initiate appropriate strategies and tactics to maximize sales potentials
• Continuously seek deep competitor insight and trend prediction of category

·         Be responsible for the merchandise distribution, stock allocation and merchandise reordering management

LEADERSHIP AND PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

• Leads by example and operates effectively in the face of continuous pressure imposed by the work environment
• Monitor development and performance of direct reports through regular meetings to discuss performance and development compared to goals; provide on job training and coaching regarding their needs and concerns to aid in future development
• Continuously looks to innovate and improve our business and business processes

FINANCIAL

• Determine and drive the strategic focus of the overall category area.  Identify growth, maintain and down trending businesses
• Possess a clear understanding of gross margin return on investment; analyze and recommend pricing strategies to impact it
• Monitor and ensure category adheres to the line plan to stay within budget

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL PARTNERSHIP

·         On-going communication with Merchandising Team in U.S. on local market needs and specific country requests, that include but not limited to special products, new stores opening and new initiatives of the region

·         In touch with local industry trends and competitor awareness in pricing, trend, quality and products offers

• Partner with Retail and Sales to establish a balance range of merchandise suited to customers’ profile; make recommendations for changes and improvements to maximize sales potentials
• Partner with Planning for close monitoring of sell through situation, inventory, reordering and stock delivery to ensure appropriate levels of stock are maintained; initiate strategies and tactics to liquidate stocks and boost sales
• Partner with Marketing and Visual to ensure alignment in functions and clear and compelling category story pull through
• Partner with Training team on seasonal product training & workshops
• Work with logistics and distribution to ensure timely product delivery

EDUCATION & PRIOR EXPERIENCE NEEDED

• Degree holder in Fashion Merchandising/ Business or related disciplines
• A minimum of 8 years fashion retail merchandising / buying experience, in which 4 years in managerial level
• Strong buying experience in luxury fashion industry
• Strong planning, communication and presentation skills
• Sound business acumen and retail numerical sense, detailed mind with strong analytical skills
• Proficiency in MS Office Applications and advanced in Excel
• Excellent command in English & Chinese, knowledge of other Asia languages is a plus