Buyer (Footwear) Jobs

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 Buyer (Footwear) drives the timely sourcing of best available products to achieve and exceed sales and margin goals.
Specific responsibilities include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Implement specific marketing plans for each department, based on advertising results and discussion with Marketing department and vendors, to maximize brand exposure and increase sales and profitability; participate in promotional activities
• Lead, motivate, and retain a team of high performing employees that is capable of delivering results
• Responsible for managing, entering, and uploading purchase orders according to plan and forecast
• Assess competitors, analyze buying patterns and predict future trends
• Buy product. Align the ‘buy’ to strategy - plan and select the range, type and quantity; decide on colour, size, price etc. and negotiate competitive bids to purchase within budgets and to drive profit
• Check store merchandise assortments, displays, stock levels as well as consult customers during peak selling times and key special events (PSN, Designer Trunk Shows/PA's)
• Select reliable and quality vendors to source the best available products at the best possible terms
• Ensure timely delivery of merchandise, initiate cancellations or negotiate discounts on late deliveries as appropriate
• Negotiate with vendors for marketing Co-Op, specialist program support, United Way and special events/personal appearances to reinforce HR Brand; maintain excellent vendor relations
• Develop financial plans in partnership; prepare and present Seasonal Business Reviews
• Ensure advertised merchandise is adequately quantified and delivered and on time
• Provide product information, maintain regular communication and work co-operatively with the store team
• Manage inventory; make timely profitability decisions; review existing inventory performance indicators and react quickly to change in demand, logistics and trends
• Obtain feedback on how the market responds to choices made and to market needs; seek customer feedback
• Attend market shows as required to select and assemble collections and product assortments. Travel may include national and/or international markets
• Be proficient on all merchant systems
• Manage open-to-buy to maximize business opportunities and inventory control
• Build and retain a high performing team that delivers the results and meets performance goals
• Coach team on their professional and personal development
• Facilitate and lead change; continuously evaluate procedures within Buying office and provide/action recommendations for more effective business practices

The ideal candidate:

• 3-5 years proven Buying experience, preferably in luxury retail
• Confident and effective communication (written & verbal) and interpersonal skills
• Highly service-oriented with exceptional organizational and follow up skills
• Experience managing a large number of vendors
• Excellent interpersonal skills; a team player who is able to act as both a leader and an individual contributor as required
• Is adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity and change
• Undergraduate degree, preferably in Business or Retail Management, or equivalent experience
• Passionate about fashion and luxury retailing
• Experience managing a $50M business in buying
• Demonstrated leadership and influencing skills with the ability to get things done
• Sound knowledge of purchasing principles and practices / Retail Math
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

The measures of success:

• Meeting revenue targets and contribution to overall financial objectives
• Feedback from internal and external clients
• Individual objectives linked to the achievement of department goals

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 [email protected] 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.