Head Of Buying - Stylerunner

Accent Group Limited is the leading digitally integrated retail and distribution business in the Apparel and Footwear performance and lifestyle market in Australia and New Zealand. With over 750+ stores, 35 brands and 40 online platforms. Our brands include; Glue, Platypus, Skechers, Hype DC, Vans, Dr. Martens, Subtype, The Athletes Foot, CAT, Merrell, The Trybe, Pivot, Timberland, Stylerunner, Palladium, Stance, Saucony, & Nude Lucy!

Stylerunner is the world's leading digital destination for premium activewear & footwear, delivering the latest on-trend styles to the fashion devotees around the globe who love to lead an active lifestyle. We have a fun and collaborative culture, dedicated to delivering excellence for our customers.

• Our Benefits
• Generous Team Member Discounts off Accent Group brands!
• Discounted Gym Membership & Healthcare
• Access our to Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave and many more!
• The Role

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Stylerunner team as our Head of Buying on an up to 12 Month Parental Leave Contract. Reporting into the General Manager of Stylerunner, you will be responsible for developing and executing the Stylerunner merchandise strategy. You will lead a team of four including two Buyers and two Buying Assistants.

• Your key responsibilities will include
• Coach & Lead in all aspects of buying functional responsibilities from brand selection, product ranging, and quantification.
• Responsible for delivering sales & margin budgets
• Responsible for meeting inventory targets
• Lead the improvement of intake and trading margin and key inventory metrics
• Lead the full year financial and strategic planning of Brand shares
• Review brands on regular cycles to ensure financial targets are met and risks highlighted
• Conduct regular trend research and monitor brand and category health to ensure relevance for the consumer
• Source new and emerging brands and category opportunities
• Own range / seasonal sign off process
• Ensure a seamless go to market for all products and brands in conjunction with marketing and retail teams. Inclusive of marketing calendar & in-season tactical opportunities.
• Ensure a clear focus on trade actions required to grow the business.
• Lead negotiations with brand partners to improve commercial outcomes
• Manage and maintain strong brand partner partnerships
• Drive access to elevated products and categories ensuring Stylerunner is the market leader
• Work with Planning Manager to review performance and forecast by brand, manage inventory and OTB in line with business targets
• Work with Planning Manager to strategise, forecast, and purchase core items in line with company objectives and inventory targets
• Maximise sales and profitability through item planning, class planning and markdown management in conjunction with Planning Manager
• Work with Planning Manager and Allocator to ensure store allocations are appropriate for consumer base gender and demographic
• What we are looking for
• Experience in leading a Buying Team in a related industry
• Strong knowledge of the local market and industry
• A strong track record in successful trading, resulting in achieving allocated sales and KPI's within a retail business.
• Multi-category experience is advantageous across Fashion, activewear and footwear brands.
• Degree in a related discipline (not essential)
• Ability to multi task and, meet tight deadlines and work under pressures
• Strong financial and numeracy skills
• Advanced excel, word and power point skills
• Affiliation with Accent Group Core values and "Make It Happen" attitude.

At Accent Group Limited we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity and inclusion. We believe in the diversity of our people across age, gender, identity, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, physical and mental ability. We strive on creating an equal employment environment where everyone from any background can be themselves.

The Accent Group acknowledges, and pays respect, to the Traditional Owners and ongoing custodians of the land. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Maori people.