Hudson Group is an international retailer and distributor primarily involved in the sport and fashion wear sectors. The Group’s head office is in Malta but is also present through offices in Italy, Cyprus, Morocco, Nigeria and Algeria.
Job Overview:
As a Nike Stores Buying Manager, your role is to oversee the buying process for Nike retail stores ensuring efficient and cost-effective procurement of Nike products. You will be responsible for selecting and purchasing merchandise that aligns with the company’s brand strategy and meets the needs of customers.
Overall, as a Nike Stores Buying Manager, your goal is to ensure that Nike retail stores have a compelling and commercially viable product offering that resonates with customers, drives sales, and enhances the brand’s position in the market.
This is a strategic role that requires excellent negotiation skills, market knowledge, and a passion for the Nike brand.
Responsibilities:
- Buying Strategy: Develop and implement a buying strategy for Nike retail stores, considering factors such as market trends, customer preferences, and sales goals. Collaborate with the merchandising team to ensure alignment with overall Brand objectives. Develop and build a strategic business plan for the department based on current performance and future trends.
- Product Selection: Analyses market trends, customer demand, and historical sales data to identify the right product assortment for Nike stores. Work closely with the merchandising team to curate a diverse and appealing product mix that caters to different customer segments. Identifies trends through the eyes of the customer – embraces the “Nike sport culture”. Together with Planners, ensure style plan aligns with Financial Plan, Merchandise Strategy, and business plan.
- Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels and make data-driven decisions to optimize stock levels and reduce excess inventory. Collaborate with the planning and allocation teams to ensure timely replenishment and alignment with sales forecasts.
- Pricing and Margin Optimization: Analyses pricing strategies, market competition, and customer demand to set appropriate retail prices. Work with the finance team to ensure that margins are maximized while maintaining competitiveness in the market.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with various departments, including merchandising, marketing, operations, and finance, to ensure smooth buying operations and effective implementation of initiatives. Provide input and insights to cross-functional teams to support overall business goals.
- Performance Analysis: Track and analyse sales performance, category performance, and key metrics to identify opportunities for improvement and drive business growth. Generate reports and present findings to senior management, highlighting successes, challenges, and actionable recommendations.
- Trend Forecasting: Stay up to date with the latest fashion trends, consumer behaviour, and industry developments. Utilize market research, competitor analysis, and customer insights to anticipate future trends and adjust buying strategies accordingly.
KPIs
- Sales and margin targets
- Assortment adoption rate
- Retail stores sell-out rate
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field. A master’s degree is a plus.
- Proven experience as a Buying Manager or in a similar role, preferably in retail and/or wholesale.
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with a track record of achieving favourable outcomes in complex supplier negotiations.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented work environment.
- Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders within a multicultural environment.
- Proficiency in using purchasing software and tools, and advanced knowledge of MS Excel.
- Passion for the Nike brand, familiarity with Nike products, and understanding of the athletic footwear and apparel market.
Join our dynamic team and play a key role in driving the success of our organization as a Lead Buying Manager representing Nike. Apply your expertise in procurement, negotiation, and market analysis to ensure the availability of high-quality Nike products, contribute to sales growth, and strengthen our position as a leading retailer in the athletic industry.
