Sporting Fashion & Goods
Merchandise Buyer - Retail
Mid Level
Melbourne, Australia
in office
Full time
Job description
About the Role
Develops and executes seasonal assortment plans that deliver commercial performance while meeting customer and brand expectations. It analyses sales, inventory, profit and open-to-buy performance to inform data-driven buying decisions and manages in-season trading activities such as markdowns, promotions, re-buys, stock transfers and inventory optimisation. The role partners closely with Planning, Retail, Marketing and Operations teams to ensure successful product launches and seasonal execution.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute seasonal assortment plans that deliver commercial performance while meeting customer and brand expectations.
- Analyse sales, inventory, profit and OTB performance to identify risks and opportunities and make data-driven buying decisions.
- Partner closely with Planning, Retail, Marketing and Operations teams to ensure successful product launches and seasonal execution.
- Manage in-season trading activities including markdowns, promotions, re-buys, stock transfers and inventory optimisation.
- Monitor sales performance and inventory levels to ensure the right product is available at the right time and in the right location.
- Execute seasonal buys in line with budgets, commercial targets and overall merchandise strategy.
- Drive forecasting accuracy through effective range planning, size analysis and stock investment decisions.
- Review market trends, competitor activity and consumer insights to identify opportunities that enhance business performance.
- Present trading results, seasonal plans and key recommendations to stakeholders across the business.
- Champion continuous improvement by identifying efficiencies and implementing best-practice merchandising processes.
Required Experience & Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years' experience in merchandise buying, planning or retail merchandising within a fashion, sportswear or branded retail environment.
- Strong commercial acumen with a solid understanding of retail mathematics, inventory management and forecasting principles.
- Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable business outcomes.
- High proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across cross-functional teams.
- Results-driven with a proactive and solutions-focused approach to problem solving.
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail and strong time management skills.
- Passion for retail, consumer trends and delivering commercially successful product assortments.
Preferred Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, Finance or a related discipline is highly desirable.
- Experience using planning, reporting or ERP systems such as SAP and Power BI is advantageous.
The Application Process
Every application is reviewed by real people who are committed to fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity. No automated systems or AI tools are used to make hiring decisions; AI may be used for isolated organisational steps such as scheduling interviews, with no influence on decisions.
- Submit an application online and upload your application.
About the Company
PUMA is a global sports brand creating footwear, apparel, and accessories that inspire athletes and everyday movers. The PUMA Group owns PUMA, Cobra Golf, and stichd, operates in 120+ countries, and has around 22,000 employees worldwide. PUMA provides equal opportunities for all job applicants, regardless of race, colour, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
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