Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:
•    To manage all categories that fall into off-season buying and deliver and achieve overall clearance objectives and target via own retail, ecommerce and other marketplace (online and offline) channels.
•    Responsible for managing the GTM process and purchasing activities focused on off-season inventory, ensuring that stock is purchased strategically to meet future demand for own retail, ecommerce and other marketplace (online and offline) channels.

•    Work closely with Manger Inventory Planning on the execution of stock allocation strategies to distribute inventory efficiently and effectively across DTC channels.

 

Key Responsibilities: 
1. Off-Season Buying Strategy
•    Develop and execute a buying strategy to procure off-season inventory ensuring profitability and alignment with channel needs and business objectives.

•    Collaborate with merchandising and sales teams to align purchasing decisions with forecasted demand and promotional plans.
•    Identify opportunities for purchasing off-season stock, including surplus or discounted inventory, to prepare for upcoming sales cycles.
•    Monitor market trends and competitor activities to make informed decisions about off-season purchasing.

 

2. Demand Forecasting
•    Analyze historical sales data, seasonal trends, and market trends to accurately forecast future demand for off-season products.
•    Collaborate with merchandising and sales teams to align purchasing decisions with forecasted demand and promotional plans.

•    Ensure that purchased stock aligns with consumer trends and the company’s branding and product strategy.

 

3. Stock Allocation
•    Implement algined stock allocation strategies to distribute inventory efficiently across channels and stores.
•    Allocate stock based on factors such as store performance, sales forecasts, and promotional campaigns.

•    Monitor inventory levels and adjust allocations as needed to optimize sales and minimize stockouts or overstock situations.
•    Work closely to ensure the right products are available in the right locations at the right time.
•    Monitor and implement stock consolidation, allocation, and replenishment in between Own Retail stores and eCom and provide insights for further markdowns and clearance plans.
 

 

4. Inventory Management
•    Ensure that off-season purchases are effectively integrated into the company’s overall inventory management plan.
•    Monitor inventory turnover, aging stock, and sell-through rates to assess the performance of off-season buys.

•    Monitor clearance performance and derive strategies and actions to meet business needs.
•    Implement strategies to minimize markdowns and reduce excess stock while maximizing profitability.

 

5. Financial Management
•    Manage the off-season buying budget (OTB) and ensure that all purchasing activities are within financial targets.
•    Track and analyze the financial performance of off-season purchases, including profitability, margins, and inventory costs.

•    Provide regular reports to senior management on the results of off-season buying activities and stock allocation strategies.
•    Monitor discount levels and margin performance for proposed promotions.
•    Analyze the effectiveness of promotional activities and provide recommendations for future campaigns based on sales data and margin analysis.

 

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration
•    Work closely with Product, In-season Buying, Retail Operations and eCommerce team to align off-season buying decisions with overall business goals.
•    Coordinate with supply chain and logistics teams to ensure the timely delivery and distribution of purchased stock.

•    Partner with the planning team to integrate off-season purchases into the company’s overall product assortment.

 

7. Process Optimization
•    Continuously evaluate and improve the off-season buying and stock allocation processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
•    Stay updated on industry trends, competitor strategies, and advancements in inventory management tools and technologies.

•    Implement best practices in buying, stock allocation, and inventory management.

Key Relationships: 
•    Retail Operations 

•    eCommerce team
•    Buying team
•    Supply Chain Management (SCM)

•    Business Planning & Operation (BP&O)

 

IT:
•    Outlook: Good
•    Word: Good

•    Excel: Advanced
•    Powerpoint: Advanced

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 
•    Strong knowledge and background in retail buying
•    Fluent in English and Cantonese; Good in Mandarin

 

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications: 
•    5-7 years of experience in retail merchandising field
•    Bachelor’s degree