Buyer - Footwear

Sporting Life Group
- Sporting Life Group, a Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited company, is a leading Canadian sports lifestyle retail organization comprised of two iconic banners, Golf Town and Sporting Life. Operating from coast to coast, both Golf Town and Sporting Life’s fleet of stores inspire Canadians to get outside and live an active lifestyle, whether it’s playing some of Canada’s top golf courses, running through community trails, experiencing the exhilarating feeling of the hills, or any team sports activity in between fit for the individual or whole family._
- Come work with us Experience what it’s like to work in a fun and engaging environment where you’ll be challenged and inspired to contribute to both brands and surrounded by like-minded teams who have a passion for the outdoors and team activities and sports._

**Job Title: Buyer - Footwear**

**Reports to: Director of Purchasing**

As a Buyer, you will be responsible for the development and execution of assigned product class business strategy to maximize sales and profit in our store and web business. You will contribute to the business by utilizing strong leadership, buying, and planning skills. You will develop strong relationships with our vendors base and focus on building your team’s bench strength to produce future leaders.

**DESCRIPTION OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**Category Management**:

- Develop and execute merchandising and marketing strategies for assigned product category in all distribution channels (Retail Stores & Web).
- Maximize profitability for category - sales, margin, inventory turn, GMROI etc.
- Develop category merchandising strategy with Director of Purchasing that differentiates Golf Town from competition and meets/exceeds our annual metric goals.
- Create and optimize product assortments in all distribution channels.
- Collaborate with marketing to ensure all key items and strategies are communicated to our customer base.
- Utilize private brands where applicable to maximize value and increase category profit.
- Define and implement category pricing and promotional strategy.
- Create and oversee special sales-based activities (i.e. vendor contests, programs, events, etc.).
- Communicate category initiatives/issues internally and externally.
- Lead and direct cross-functional teams to execute special projects and category initiatives.
- Collaborate with SGM’s, either by conference call or store visit, to ensure all product needs are addressed.
- Build out following year assortment plan - final review and sign off prior to director sign off meetings.

**Vendor Management**:

- Manage assortments, inventory, and finances for each vendor.
- Secure favorable product costs, sufficient supply and vendor funding to support strategic business goals.
- Foster positive relationships with vendor community to achieve strategic company goals.
- Constantly evaluate vendor performance and programs - negotiate vendor terms to meet profitability targets.

**Marketing Management**:

- Work cross functionally with the marketing team to ensure new launches are featured.
- Review roadmap to ensure YOY comps
- Use Nudge where possible to inform staff of new products/offers
- Participate in weekly ad calendar meetings

**Inventory Management**:

- Partner with Planners/Replenishment Team to ensure category meets/exceeds inventory, turn and GMROI goals.
- Collaborate with Inventory Planner to implement and manage supply chain initiatives to optimize performance metrics.
- Develop & execute the merchandise assortment plan to achieve the current years targets with the help of the planning department.
- Plan and execute effective product life cycles - including negotiating vendor markdown monies, RTV’s, etc..
- Work with Planning Team/Replenishment Team to achieve key in-stock levels and turn goals.
- Build core sku list for Replenishment Team to follow.
- Review inventory forecast for splits for upcoming months (Bulk breakout)
- Create and maintain YOY sales result folder.
- Lead contact for marketing to help execute key events/promotions.

**Leadership and Staff Development**:

- Lead, coach, develop, and empower Merchandising Analyst.
- Lead and direct cross-functional support team without direct authority.

**ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Post-secondary education (University preferred) with a focus on merchandising, business or economics.
- 7-10 years progressive experience and well versed in brand/category management, procurement, contract negotiation and vendor management within the retail industry.
- 3 - 5 years’ managerial experience.
- Ability to multi-task and easily adapt category strategy to current business climate.
- Strong organizational, project leadership, and time management skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Must be able to work well in a team environment and independently.
- Proven analytical and problem solving ability.
- Strong PC skills.
- Excellent foll