Senior Buyer

Roles and responsibilities

We are looking for a Senior Buyer with experience in buying clothing for girlswear. The job holder will be responsible for developing strategic buying plans for the assigned department/category. The job holder will also ensure smooth buying operations through vendor identification, evaluation and selection, in compliance with the contract principles to achieve the strategic and financial objectives of the concept.

Responsibilities:

Buying Budget and Planning

• Determine buying requirements and formulate buying plan and budget for the assigned department/category.
• Align the buying plan to the overall department/category business plan and the merchandize strategy as laid down by the department/ category manager.
• Help meet the profit targets by ensuring timely procurement of the department/category Merchandise.
• Pursue cost reduction measures through centralized bulk buying and/ or selecting appropriate vendor mix, scanning the environment for benchmarks and constantly improving the purchase process.

Vendor Management

• Develop an adequate vendor base for the concept through active scouting and negotiation / renegotiation.
• Build and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers and negotiate the best deals with them for procuring merchandise.
• Maintain contact with vendors; update list of vendors for bidding purposes; attend product demonstrations, obtain samples and literature regarding potential products and vendor capabilities and confer with end users.
• Identify, evaluate and select appropriate vendor mix to achieve business objectives.

Order Management

• Place orders based on the buying plan and ensure merchandise is delivered as per the plan based on the agreed service level agreement.
• Implement financial and credit services agreement with the vendor that maximize profit and positively contribute to cash flow.
• Track the merchandise transportation from supplier to landmark distribution centre and ensure smooth flow of goods.
• Follow the reverse logistics guidelines to send the faulty / damaged goods back to the vendor.

Vendor and Product Research

• Identify and leverage alternate buying opportunities to source products and to ensure that company maintains its competitive edge by constant renegotiation.
• Ensure effective communication, collation and follow-up on various product requirements and findings obtained from the sales/store data.
• Keep abreast of the latest trends in buying and discuss the same with the department/category Manager from time to time to assess realignment of existing processes.
• Gather information from Industry trade groups or through trade shows/market visits.

Desired candidate profile

A Senior Buyer is responsible for managing the procurement of goods and services for an organization, ensuring that purchasing processes are efficient and cost-effective. Here are the key skills and responsibilities associated with this position:

Procurement Expertise

1. Market Analysis: Conducting market research to identify suppliers, trends, and pricing structures.
2. Vendor Selection: Evaluating and selecting suppliers based on quality, price, and delivery capabilities.

Negotiation Skills

1. Contract Negotiation: Negotiating favorable terms and conditions with suppliers to maximize value for the organization.
2. Cost Management: Seeking opportunities to reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.

Strategic Planning

1. Procurement Strategy: Developing and implementing procurement strategies that align with organizational goals.
2. Inventory Management: Monitoring inventory levels and determining purchasing needs to ensure optimal stock levels.

Relationship Management

1. Supplier Relationships: Building and maintaining strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliable sourcing.
2. Stakeholder Communication: Collaborating with internal departments (e.g., finance, production) to understand their needs and priorities.

Analytical Skills

1. Data Analysis: Analyzing purchasing data and trends to inform decision-making and improve procurement processes.
2. Performance Metrics: Tracking and reporting on supplier performance, delivery timelines, and cost savings.

Attention to Detail

1. Quality Assurance: Ensuring that purchased goods meet the organization’s quality standards and specifications.
2. Documentation Management: Maintaining accurate records of purchases, contracts, and supplier agreements.

Compliance and Risk Management

1. Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that procurement activities comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
2. Risk Assessment: Identifying and mitigating risks associated with the supply chain and procurement process.

Leadership and Team Management

1. Mentoring: Providing guidance and support to junior buyers and procurement staff.
2. Training Development: Conducting training sessions on procurement policies and best practices.

Technology Proficiency

1. Procurement Software: Utilizing procurement management systems and software for tracking and managing purchases.
2. ERP Systems: Integrating purchasing processes with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for streamlined operations.

Problem Solving

1. Issue Resolution: Addressing supply chain disruptions or vendor issues quickly and effectively.
2. Innovative Solutions: Developing creative solutions to optimize procurement processes and improve efficiency.