The Company:
Carraig Donn Established in 1965, Carraig Donn is Ireland's premier retailer of Fashion, Jewellery and Giftware products. At Carraig Donn, we are inspired by our long history as an Irish retailer and we draw on our heritage as we consistently innovate and evolve. Our team of experienced buyers strive to bring our customers quality products that are unique and exclusive to Carraig Donn stores. The Carraig Donn customer is central to our success and we pride ourselves on providing genuine, honest customer service and an excellent retail experience. Our aim is to build positive, lasting relationships with our customers by providing them the right products - when and where they need them. Carraig Donn is 100% Irish owned and operated. We currently employ over 500 people across our Head Office and retail stores with 40 branches nationwide. Our central warehouse, buying offices, dispatch center and e-commerce operations are all conducted from our home on the Lodge Road, Westport, Co. Mayo. With buying offices also located in Ennis, and Dublin. Carraig Donn is continuing to grow year on year, with an exciting 10-year expansion plan.
The Role:
As an Assistant Buyer at Carraig Donn, you will support the Buying Team in selecting and purchasing fashionable and marketable products that meet the company's brand and customer demands. You will be involved in various stages of the buying process, from trend analysis to supplier negotiation, ensuring that the company remains competitive and profitable.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Market Research & Trend Analysis:
o Conduct thorough market research to identify emerging fashion trends and consumer preferences.
o Analyse sales data and customer feedback to inform buying decisions.
o Attend fashion shows, trade fairs, and supplier meetings to stay updated on new products and trends.
2. Product Selection & Buying:
o Assist in the selection and procurement of products that align with the company's brand image and sales strategy.
o Participate in buying trips and showroom visits. Ability to travel to Far East and Europe is essential.
o Collaborate with the design and merchandising teams to develop seasonal collections.
o Ability to create tech packs and use Adobe suite preferred, to assist with new product development.
o Sound knowledge on fabrics and technical details of garments.
3. Vendor Relations:
o Maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers and seek out new potential vendors.
o Negotiate prices, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to ensure favourable terms for the company.
o Monitor supplier performance and resolve any issues related to product quality or delivery.
4. Inventory Management:
o Assist in managing inventory levels to ensure optimal stock levels and minimise excess inventory.
o Coordinate with the logistics and warehouse teams to track and manage product deliveries.
5. Sales & Performance Analysis:
o Analyse product performance and sales data to assess the success of buying decisions.
o Prepare regular reports on sales, inventory, and market trends for senior management.
o Assist in the development of pricing strategies and promotional plans.
6. Administrative Support:
o Handle administrative tasks such as purchase order processing, invoicing, and budget tracking.
o Maintain accurate records of orders, deliveries, and supplier communications.
Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or a related field.
* 2-3 years of experience in retail buying, preferably in fashion.
* Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and market trends.
* Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
* Knowledge of fashion industry trends and a keen eye for style and detail.
* Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
* Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
* Ability to travel for buying trips and trade shows in Europe, U.K & Far East.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience with buying software or inventory management systems.
* Experience working with Adobe suite.
* Basic knowledge of measuring garments.
* Passion for fashion and staying updated on the latest trends.
What We Offer:
* Competitive Compensation Package: We value your expertise and contribution. Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects your experience and skills.
* Flexible Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of balancing personal and professional commitments. Benefit from flexible working arrangements that suit your lifestyle.
* Career Advancement Opportunities: Grow your career with us. Join a team of industry professionals dedicated to your success. Take advantage of our culture of mentorship and development as you progress within our organization. Paid apprenticeships allowing you to achieve level 6 certification.
* Supportive and Inclusive Work Environment: At Carraig Donn, we foster a culture of collaboration and respect. Join a diverse team of talented individuals who are passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences.
* Continuous Learning and Development: We invest in our employees' growth and development. Access a variety of learning resources, training programs, and workshops to enhance your skills and knowledge.
* Comprehensive Benefits Package: Enjoy peace of mind with our comprehensive benefits package, and access to a health and wellbeing support plan.
* Employee Discounts and Perks: As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy generous staff discounts on our exclusive product range. Take advantage of our employee referral scheme and other exciting perks.
* Health and Wellbeing Initiatives: Your health and wellbeing are important to us. Benefit from initiatives such as our bike-to-work scheme and access to our Employee Assistance programme, as well as our employee platform offering mindfulness resources, lifestyle savings, and more.
Join Carraig Donn and become part of a team that values your talent and dedication. Carraig Donn is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Experience the rewards of working for Ireland's premier lifestyle retailer as you embark on a fulfilling career journey with us. Apply now to seize this exciting opportunity!
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