Assistant Buyer
Holt Renfrew offers you an inspiring, fashion-driven environment with opportunities to learn and grow. From our incredible partnerships with iconic luxury brands, to our commitments to corporate social responsibility, you will be inspired every day.
A job at Holt Renfrew offers a competitive total compensation, a generous employee discount, pension, and health & dental benefits, tuition assistance, and continuous learning and development.
The Assistant Buyer defines the luxury lifestyle shopping experience through building lasting relationships with our people, customers and partners by providing operational support to Buyers that drives achievement of sales volume, gross margin and full-price sell thru objectives.
Specific responsibilities include (but are not limited to) the following
Monitor sales and margin performance and interpret variances against budget and forecast
Assist in purchase order creation, tracking, open to buy reporting
Check order confirmation from vendors for accuracy and compliance with our purchase order and/or terms of agreement
Conduct purchase order follow up with vendors and resolve all related distribution issues.
Support in the forecast preparation
Assist in monthly/seasonal markdown sessions
Monitor stock levels and initiate recommendations for repeat orders and consolidations
Assist in preparation for pre-market analysis
Participate in creation of financial plans in partnership with Buyers and Planners
Work with Buyer and Planner to prepare seasonal business review
Monitor buying office and sample inventory
Provide sales analysis in-season for recommended repeats, consolidations and RTVs
Complete/revise store allocations for merchandise on order
Contribute towards establishing, maintaining and building strong relationships with vendors and internal departments to achieve goals
Follow-up with stores using appropriate frequency and communication channels consolidations, repeats and RTVs, as well as product and merchandise information
Initiate and coordinate with vendors and stores in-store product knowledge sessions and contests
Prepare seasonal store product knowledge and road tour information; manage with the Buyer
Track line budget performance and activity including plans and actuals.
Coordinate all required activities for trunk shows, special events and personal appearances with the buyer and vendor.
Responsible for all sample inventory from ordering, to return of merchandise
Prepare presentations, media kits, event materials, etc.
Complies with all Health & Safety policies and requirements
Perform other duties, as assigned
The ideal candidate:
Post-secondary degree in a related field or equivalent work experience
1-2 years of post-university work experience
Sound knowledge of purchasing principles and practices / Retail Math
Previous experience in analysis an asset including use of system-based tools
Demonstrated leadership and influencing skills with the ability to get things done
Excellent interpersonal skills; a team player who is able to act as both a leader and an individual contributor as required
Confident and effective communication (written & verbal) and interpersonal skills
Is adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity and change
Highly service-oriented with exceptional organizational and follow up skills
Passionate about fashion and luxury retailing
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Holt Renfrew is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our future success depends on the perspectives and contributions of all our employees -- their diverse backgrounds, abilities and experiences make our business stronger. If you are contacted for a job opportunity and require accommodation, please email careers@holtrenfrew.com and let us know so we can ensure you have an accessible candidate experience throughout the recruitment process. All requests are confidential and used only to meet candidate needs.