At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and profit by collaborating with franchise partners and managing inventory effectively.
- Company: Join Mothercare Global Brand, a UK-based company dedicated to supporting families worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for global career growth and collaboration in a vibrant office environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that impacts families globally while developing your skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: International trading experience and strong analytical skills are essential for this role.
- Other info: This is a 12-month fixed-term contract position based at our new Head Office in Apsley.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Mothercare Global Brand are looking for a 12 month Fixed Term Contract Buyer for a maternity cover role.
Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities
- Work with the franchise partner to get a full view of channel trading performance, with a clear understanding of the plan and agree actions where appropriate to drive sales and profit.
- Work with the Commercial Business Partner to support the delivery of the annual retail sales and gross profit for own markets.
- Work with the franchise partner to understand their order book in line with their business plan, retaining clear knowledge and visibility of the franchisee’s inventory position and profile through the season, taking action as appropriate.
- Highlight missed opportunities on bestselling global options not ordered by the partner.
- Work with the franchise partner to deliver the implementation of agreed retail pricing strategy understanding local competitor activity.
- Retain clear knowledge of the franchisee’s trading plans, agreeing further action as required and where appropriate conducting post activity review to build global best practice.
- Work with commercial management team and stock management to ensure that shipment targets are in line with the sales forecast, having an awareness of seasonal availability and managing shipment exceptions (i.e. payment plan) and management of identifying routes to market for excess stock.
- Work with the compliance and order management teams ensuring relevant certification needs are met.
- Work with the franchise partner to maximize channel LFL sales, including space planning, store grading support & range gap analysis to identify potential opportunities.
- Work with the Global Retail Operations Manager to ensure partners using the most up to date materials & identify operational support/projects for owned markets.
- Support the Commercial Business Partner to ensure global brand standards are achieved.
- Liaises with the store projects coordinator to keep aware of any risk to project delays and to update the commercial trading assistant to any changes.
- Act as the day to day contact for franchise partner trading teams, liaising and feeding back into Mothercare Global Brand as appropriate.
Knowledge & Skills
- International trading experience
- Commercial awareness
- Project management skills
- Ability to plan and organise
- Able to work well under pressure
- Cultural awareness
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong relationship management skills
- Highly numerical & analytical
Best Things
If you’re looking for a career change, why not take your search global? Or at least to a global business with their home in the UK. Working from our new Head Office in Apsley, you’ll find opportunities that reach families and franchise partners all around the world. Whether you’re interested in product design, finance, people management or another passion, each of our teams offer a unique experience but the same chance to collaborate with brilliant people and grow your career.
Buyer employer: Mothercare PLC
Contact Detail:
Mothercare PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in international trading and retail, especially within the maternity and baby products sector. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the retail and buying sectors, particularly those who have experience with franchise models. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects or improved sales in previous roles. Highlight your analytical skills by being ready to talk about how you’ve used data to drive decisions and actions.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Mothercare's brand values and recent initiatives. Understanding their mission and how they operate globally will allow you to tailor your discussions and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Buyer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in international trading, project management, and commercial awareness. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive sales and manage relationships effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention your understanding of the franchise partner dynamics and how you can contribute to maximising channel sales and inventory management.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mothercare PLC
✨Understand the Franchise Partner's Needs
Before the interview, research the franchise partner's business model and trading performance. Be prepared to discuss how you can support their sales and profit goals, demonstrating your understanding of their inventory position and market dynamics.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Buyer, you'll need to be highly numerical and analytical. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you would approach range gap analysis and identify opportunities for maximising sales.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Experience
Highlight any project management experience you have, especially in relation to retail or trading projects. Discuss how you've successfully planned and organised projects under pressure, ensuring that deadlines were met and objectives achieved.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to discuss how you've built strong relationships with partners or teams in the past, and how you would maintain effective communication with franchise partners.