Merchandiser - Buyer

Merchandiser/Buyer | Global Lifestyle Company | Sydney

The Client |
Our client is searching for an experienced Merchandiser/ Buyer with a strong entrepreneurial and commercial mindset to join this global brand in Sydney. Responsible for effective inventory management, this role will oversee the OTB plan/schedule to maximize sales in line with global merchandising and local area marketing plans.

The Role |
The Merchandiser/Buyer role is critical to the brand’s ability to deliver a high level of customer satisfaction and ultimately drive strong sales results. In addition, this role is responsible for providing valuable insights and forecasting to capitalize on both market and sales trends.

• Managing Open to Buy – localising assortments and SKU’s for the Australian market along with delivery timelines. Optimizing seasonal collections vs permanent and customized.

• Ensure timely delivery of merchandise to all channels (stores, ecommerce, and wholesale)

• Analysing past buying trends, sales records and pricing; localise pricing against sales and margin targets.

• Forecasting consumer buying patterns in line with market and economic trends and influencing buying decisions accordingly to meet financial targets

• Manage sell-through, markdowns and inventory.

• Strengthen omnichannel retailing and align with marketing plans.

• Liaise with stores, ecommerce and wholesale teams to gain insight on sales trends and to provide recommendations and action plans.

• Providing assortment planning and account management on the product level to key wholesale clients to maximize sku productivity to enhance sell through KPI’s.

• Internal stakeholder management to communicate assortment decisions.

The Skillset |
An analytical mindset, combined with a commonsense approach to anticipating risks is key to this role. You will bring the ability to get things done and apply a fair and consistent approach that demonstrates integrity in everything you do is also required. Other required skills, qualities and knowledge include:

• 2-5 years buying/planning experience and/or strong retail experience and lifestyle or fashion

• Previous experience managing an OTB 

• Attuned eye and genuine interest towards lifestyle and fashion

• Formal qualifications are advantageous but not essential.

• Strong planning and organization skills.

• Strong commercial and analytical skills

• Ability to make decisions willingly and efficiently

• Initiative to proactively stay on top of market trends

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Advanced excel skills

The Offer |
This is a newly created role that be critical to success of the business expansion in Australia - as such we are open to part time or full time candidates. The first 6 months will be a hybrid set up but that may change in time as the business grows and a Sydney office is solidified.  
Remuneration is level with the candidate's experience, plus bonus, allowance, company benefits apply too. 

There is a requirement to be available for international travel to Europe twice a year for seasonal launches. 

The Talent Mill Recruitment division is a bespoke recruitment consultancy and talent acquisition specialist within the fashion, lifestyle, and retail industries. With more than 10 years of specialist expertise with luxury retail, Australian & Contemporary designer, beauty, and lifestyle brands globally we discover, recognize, and connect inspiring individuals to the most desirable brands as trusted support to founder-led start-ups, SME’s, and multinational corporations within the fashion & retail industry.

Recruitment – but make it ethical, not transactional.  Quality over quantity – always. Truly consultative and delivered at pace.  We hold a genuine passion and expertise for the industries we support and offer a unique and modern recruitment proposition – one where we develop long term, meaningful relationships with all stakeholders.

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