Chief Manager - Product & Buying - Apparel Retail

Responsibilities:

- Present range and sign off Business Unit (BU) plans in coordination with the Buying and Merchandising Head.

- Book product quantities to support launches and adapt to in-season sales trends.

- Analyze sales data to support informed buying decisions.

- Work closely with suppliers to revise production flows based on sales performance and maximize sell-through.

- Set and review targets for sales, margins, stock levels, commitments, and availability.

- Contribute to the operating plan review and capture key learnings for future planning.

- Manage catalogue intentions and the In-Range Presentation (IRP).

- Lead planning and execution for all markdown and promotional periods.

- Monitor supplier performance and ensure timely agreement and alignment on range production plans.

- Coordinate with suppliers for flow inputs to maintain alignment between production and commitments.

- Manage production plans to optimize Merchandise Stock Index capacity.

- Collaborate with the Retail team by providing inputs for store layout planning.

- Contribute to pricing strategies for new ranges.

- Maintain competitive awareness and monitor product offerings in the market.

- Plan, optimize, and review the product catalogue in alignment with store formats and chain performance.

- Lead implementation of new systems and processes for improved efficiency.

Key Requirements:

- Select relevant products from the global catalogue to capture trends, drive volume, and meet customer demand.

- Lead local product development to address market gaps, regional requirements, and margin improvement opportunities.

- Plan and manage flow and phasing of stock to ensure timely product availability.

- Ensure buying is aligned with approved plans and meets critical path timelines.

- Drive in-season development of short lead-time products to improve responsiveness.

- Develop and scale 'value fashion' lines for Tier 2 markets.

- Collaborate with Visual Merchandising and Marketing to deliver compelling in-store looks and storytelling.