Reporting to the Head of Buying, the primary function of the Buying Department is to deliver an exciting and commercially focused product assortment for Claire’s UK & Ireland that meets the customers’ needs and drives sales and profit revenue for the company.
The Senior Buyer is responsible for leading, creating and driving both short- and long-term product and merchandise strategies that drive revenue growth across all selling channels for assigned departments, while meeting or exceeding financial goals for their respective departments. They effectively lead and manage a cross functional team in delivering consistent results for key financial metrics, such as sales, profit, margin and limiting spend in reductions/markdown. The core areas of responsibility being: Develop and Execute Merchandise Product Strategy, Product Development/sourcing, Achieving Financial goals, Department Leadership/Management, Business Analysis, Supplier Relationship Management and Team Coaching/Training/Development.
- Understand and flawlessly execute the strategic objectives of the company and department.
- Create and develop short/long term business vision to drive the product assortment strategy, ensuring all financial targets are met and exceeded for assigned areas of responsibility. Independently drive current/ future growth of department through sales and profit.
- Effectively develop short and long term (1-3 year) business plans for their assigned areas from a strategic point of view based on historical, competitive, and new data trends.
- Analyze “white space” opportunities, thinking outside of the box, with clear understanding of the Claire’s customer.
- Stay progressive in industry and competitor trends and how they relate to the Claire’s customer, while executing at both a tactical and strategic level to drive production selection, sales and margin growth.
- Take on additional roles/special projects to establish leadership skills across department.
- Build innovation into assortment and take informed risks. Take the lead with Product Design to aligning on the latest trends and develop fun, unique product that will excite the Claire’s
customer whilst driving revenue for the department.
- Consistently seek new ideas, explore new resources, and obtain merchandise exclusivity.
- Identify and explode key item opportunities, develop exit strategies for seasonal or down trending categories.
- Explore all opportunities to increase profitability. Partner with merchandiser for in season promotional strategy, promotional markdowns, and other liability management to capitalize on opportunity and mitigate risk.
- Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, identifying new supplier opportunities for innovative product and reduced cost. Create and execute a sourcing strategy action plan that reviews all worldwide sourcing opportunities.
- Collaborate with cross functional areas including Merchandising, Design, QA, Marketing and In store presentation/Field teams to build strong partnerships, develop strategies, achieve collective goals, and foster teamwork.
- Effectively influence and negotiate with all cross functional teams to execute company and department vision.
- Lead a positive team environment by creating an engaging experience, setting goals and expectations, training and developing direct reports, and recognizing accomplishments.
- Act as a role model and leader among peers.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
- Minimum 5+ years of retail buying experience in Fashion Accessories
- Hair & Jewellery experience highly desired
- High level of financial and business acumen with demonstrated problem solving critical thinking and analytical skills
- Strong prioritizing, organizational, project management, planning and timely decision-making skills
- Strong verbal/written/interpersonal communication and presentation skills
- Strong negotiation, influence and persuasive skills
- Ability to think clearly and strategically in a high energy, fast paced environment
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross functionally and motivate at all levels to drive business
- Successful track record of developing people to their fullest potential
- Passion for fashion, current trends and how they apply to the Claire’s customer
- Forward thinking, innovative, and calculated risk taker
- Self-motivated with critical attention to detail
- Demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacy
- Excellent Microsoft Office & Excel skills
- Ability to travel (Domestic & International)
Hybrid office / home working
Claire's is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we encourage applications from members of all underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities. We will accommodate applicants' needs, upon request, throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require.