GET TO KNOW US

At Brown Thomas Arnotts, we exist to imagine and create a sustainable future for our People, Customers and Communities. Our Values, Do the Right Thing, Go Above and Beyond and Drive Creativity and Innovation remain at the heart of everything we do. We are Reinventing Retail and the way we work to enable our teams to be more agile, flexible and responsive to our customer’s needs.

KNOW THE ROLE

Working with our Living Category you will use your knowledge to assist the Buyer in the sourcing of Brown Thomas Arnotts products. You will be negotiating with suppliers; we are looking for someone with resilience to secure the very best terms for our store. You will build strong relationship with key stakeholders within the store, using their insights as well as your own trend research to determine which brand are performing well, and make recommendations on where we take our ranges next.

• Working under the direction of the Buyer, to assist with budget and margin targets, range planning and building as well as day-to-day job requirements involved in the Buying of the Gifts Division.
• Work with the Buyer to set mark-up targets, markdown rates and selling prices for merchandise in order to achieve gross margin targets
• Preparation of Weekly Trade update in a timely manner, reviewing the previous week's sales, reporting on the best and worst sellers, using initiative to suggest and follow up with action
• Pre-season planning of the buy (e.g. Pull wash up notes / Markdown Data from previous season, Research themes and trends, & Build OTB Sheets)
• Schedule and Planning of Buying Trips & Appointments
• Ensuring necessary appointment preparation done including Liaising with relevant other functions to ensure any necessary data collated e.g. Marketing reports/ CRM reports etc.
• Attending trade shows home/abroad & Supplier meetings, recording actions and ensuring all follow up is done
• Formulating summary of Market Trends observed following market appointments.
• Building Story Boards & Seasonal Product Calendar / Catalogue for internal use to present to relevant parties in immediate team and throughout the business so that they are informed of key trends, what is new and the selected product detail.
• Preparing presentations / slides when necessary
• Calculating, and managing Debit notes for supplier support / coordinating with Buyers Assistant to support
• Coordinating with Buyers Assistant, to make sure that the critical path is running smoothly and to ensure Products are available in a timely manner
• Monitoring market and customer activity via competitive shops, sales and trend analysis
• Work closely with the Marketing Team to develop and appropriate marketing strategy, and supporting to ensure that your department is well represented in press, magazines, PR etc. and that you have marketing support from brands
• Work with the Online team to develop and grow the range available on the website. Build the relationship with Ecommerce to ensure the correct set up of new products and promotions. Ensure products and Brands are accurately represented
• Build a strong relationship and work closely with Retail Operations, hold regular floor walks to exchange information, receive feedback and take appropriate action based on performance
• Be a team player and work with the wider buying team on the detail of seasonal product presentations both in store and to the press
• Ensure that all product details within the merchandise management system are properly maintained and resolve any discrepancies where necessary
• Liaise with the Finance Team to ensure suppliers are set up on the system and managed
• In addition to supporting Buyer on Full Category, the Assistant Buyer assumes responsibility and accountability of own Category for measure which includes
• Range building to cover the category and assortment planning for the category
• Negotiating the best deal in terms of trade discount, settlement terms and transport arrangements for merchandise to maintain Best Margin and generate profit from this category

KNOW WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• 3-4 years’ experience working in a fast paced buying office preferable luxury
• Demonstrate commercial acumen
• Proven track record of managing relationship
• Strong influencing skills

KNOW WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

We believe that every team member should have the opportunity to a meaningful career that enhances professional and personal development. That is why; we foster a culture of belonging and inclusiveness, one that provides learning and purpose. We show respect for individual needs and circumstances and we enable our people to work in a way that best suits their unique lifestyles and their roles. We place trust in our teams to do the right thing for Brown Thomas Arnotts and keep our customers and team at the heart of our decision-making.

• Competitive Salary
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Competitive annual leave entitlement
• Team Member discount across the world’s most iconic brands
• Recognition Days for Volunteering & Wellbeing
• Wellbeing Initiatives
• Extensive Learning & Development Offerings
• Leading Talent Programmes
• Flexible Working Model
• Additional Benefits

KNOW HOW WE WORK

We Drive Creativity and Innovation: Creativity runs through our veins and fuels everything we do. We are an enterprising team that thinks outside the box to bring new ideas to life and to create unrivalled experiences designed for our customers and our world. Fostering a culture of innovation, we keep ahead of the rest while growing sustainably

We Go Above and Beyond: As agents of change within our industry we set the standard, always leading, never imitating. We love to go where others haven't and thrive on sharing our knowledge and expertise. We work to surpass expectations, inspiring everyone who comes in to contact with our brands.

We Do the Right Thing: We respect our world and everyone we interact with. Acting with decency, honesty and transparency, we strive to ensure that everything we contemplate or do, contributes to a sustainable future. Embracing diversity and inclusivity we build trust among our customers, partners, communities and with each other.