Assistant Buyer

Company Overview

SMCP North America, business unit of SMCP Group, lead the development of Parisian brands Sandro and Maje in North America. It directly operates 129 points of sales in the US and Canada, and gathers about 450 staff. 
With three distinct contemporary Parisian fashion brands, SMCP is a global leading company in the accessible luxury sector. The Group operates 1,176 points of sales and its brands are present in 35 countries worldwide as of June 2016. Evelyne Chetrite and Judith Milgrom founded Sandro and Maje in Paris, in 1984 and 1998 respectively and continue to provide creative direction for the brands. Claudie Pierlot was also founded in 1984 by Madame Claudie Pierlot, and acquired by the Group in 2009. 

Job description

This position is responsible for assisting the Buyer in generating seasonal merchandise plans, assortment strategies and inventory plans. This candidate is able compile comprehensive reporting and analysis to support the business while maximizing sell-thru.

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

SEASONAL PLANNING & BUYING

- Manage and develop seasonal merchandising and buying plans for SMCP brands in partnership with the Paris HQ and the Buyer.

- Assist the Buyer with the development of merchandise assortments, sales, and inventory plans for assigned merchandise departments.

- Determine assortment needs for each market and make recommendations based on specific business trends.

 - Prepare orders to ensure on time delivery and follow up. Manages in-season business by tracking and analyzing sales info.

- Perform administrative and operational functions supporting the buying team.

- Responsible for the full life cycle of the Purchase Order as well as markdowns. This includes writing the POs, changes, cancellations and necessary follow-up (both internally and externally).

REPORTING & ANALYSIS

- Partner with Buyer on reviewing sales and inventory targets by door and classification plans to meet financial goals.

- Use reporting to develop an in depth understanding of product performance and customer base, develop action plans by category.

- Prepare detailed daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal sales analyses based on history, current trends and market forecasts.

- Communicate regularly with stores using the appropriate communication channels

MAXIMIZE SELL-THRU

- Partner with Planning/Allocation to stock balance between stores to maximize business as well as stock replenishment from available inventory on continuous basis.

- Maximize sell thru of all brands through effective buying and by analyzing and managing inventory to ensure product is available in the right stores at the right time.

- Keep departments and stores informed on a regular basis on best sellers, industry trends, new items, and other information.

- Assist in coordination of product training for store employees in order to maximize awareness of the season’s collection and trends.

MARKET AWARENESS & SPECIAL PROJECTS

- Remain informed of fashion/trends and apply knowledge to assortment and promotional plans.

- Prepare competitive market studies focusing on products and price positioning.

- Perform special projects as assigned by the Buyer.

Profile

Ideal education, previous work experience, special skills (e.g., foreign languages), and personal characteristics.

Education/Experience:

·         1~2 years’ experience in buying/merchandising, preferably in the apparel

·         Advanced Excel skills

Special Skills:

·         Foreign Languages a plus

Personal Characteristics:

·         Action oriented; drive for results
·         Service orientation and customer focus

·         Social perceptiveness

·         Problem-solver

·         Strong work ethic

·         Organized; resourceful

·         Strong oral and written communication skills